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I 


FATHER   EELLS 


OR 


THE    RESULTS    OF    F;FTY-F1VE    YEARS    OF 
MISSIONARY   LABORS 

IN   WASHINGTON    AND   OREGON 


A   BIOGRAPHY   OF 

REV.    GUSHING    EELLS,  D.D. 


BY   MYRON   EELLS 
WUh  an  Introduction  by  Reii.  L.  If.  Hallock,  D.D. 


BOSTON  AND   CHICAGO 

Congresational  Simtiag. School  m^  i^ubligljing  Societg 


4  jr'/ 


'  ^/. ..- 


CorvKioiiT,  1R04, 
By  Congregationai,  Sunday-School  and  Puhlishing  .Society 


# 


SI  tribute  of  affection 

TO  GUSHING  EELLS  AND  MYRA  F.  EELLS 

bp  tbeir  aionfl!. 


4fif592 


PREFACE. 


Ti(E  writer  was  onco  at  a  church  nicctii.-  ulurc  soii.c  thin.^s 
wore  sai.I,  a.nl  perhaps  justly,  a-ainst  a  minister  who  ha.l  prea.-hc, I 
for  the  chur<-h.    His  son,  wlio  was  present,  defende,!  hi.s  faMu-r 
There  were  those  at  the  nieetin^^  who  hy  no  means  ai,^reed  with 
the  father  hut  who  honored  the  son  for  what  lie  said.    Mo    tlie 
.sons  of  Cushinj,^  and  Myra  Eells,  would  at  least  honor  our  parents 
True,  they  were  not  what  many  call  j^reat.    Neither  were  they 
perfect.    None  knew  this  hetter  tha.i  themselves.    We  heliove 
however,  that  they  have  done  a  jrreat,  good  work  for  (.n.-^on 
and  Washington,  and  we  desire  to  record  this  and  perpetuate  "the 
memory  of  what  they  Imve  done.    From  what  was  said   at  the 
funeral  services  of  Dr.   Eells,  fron.   the    nund,er    of   memorial 
•services  held  since  ins  death  in  large  cities  in  eastern  and  western 
Washington,  from  the  contents  of  letters  of  condolence  received 
from  distinguished  Christian  men  and  women  from  Massachusetts 
to  Washington,  from  the  number  and  character  of  those  wlio  have 
expressed  a  wish  that  this  biography  be  written,  we  believe  that 
tnere  are  others  who  have  thought  very  highly  of  them  for  their 
work's  sake. 

Favors  in  preparing  this  work  have  been  received  from  many 
friends,    more   especially    from   L.    II.  Hallock,    D.n.,    Roy     J 
Edwards,  Wallace  Nutting,  d.d.,  and  Rey.  F.  P.  Noble,  of  (;hica.^o' 
the  last  of  whom  has  rendered  great  assistance  by  his  criticisms'of 
the  whole  work. 

Union  City,  Washington,  January,  1894.  ^'  ^' 

8 


INTRODUCTION, 


TiiK  roraanco  of  the  Oregon  Territory,  which  Includes  the  great 
.States  of  Washington  and  Idaho,  is  unsuri)asHed  in  Action  and  has 
the  higher  charm  of  nbsoluto  trnth. 

Encamped  on  the  eastern  l>order,  the  early  New  England  colo- 
nists little  dreamed  of  tl-.-  vastness  of  this  Western  empire  or 
the  magnitude  of  its  economic  future.  JJy  purchase  they  obtained 
the  vague  domain  o^  ..ouisiana,  and  afterward  became  conscious 
of  the  existence  of  an  indclinlte  tract  of  country  stretching  oil' 
into  the  far-distant  and  almost  inaccessible  Northwest.  From 
Indians  and  from  Paciflc  navigators  came  hints  and  from  the 
Hudson's  Bay  Company  reliable  tiding.s  of  a  fur-producing  wilder- 
ness away  toward  the  sunset, 

Where  rolls  the  Oregon,  aud  hears  no  sound  save  i'.s  own  dashing. 
It  was  not  the  conquest  of  territory  that  first  stirred  the 
Interest  of  Americans  in  this  direction;  the  earliest  movement 
was  for  evangelization  of  the  native  population.  It  was  really 
a  foreign  country,  a.id  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners 
for  Foreign  Missions  made  the  first  advances.  When  they  sent 
out  such  men  as  Whitman  and  Eells  they  sought  for  souls,  not 
soil.  Little  thought  those  bold,  indomitable  missionaries,  who 
journeyed  weary  weeks  from  St.  Louis  toward  the  blue  waters  of 

6 


INTliODUCTION. 


? 


Puget  Sound,  that  they  would  Hve  to  see  there  three  great  states, 
the  pride  of  the  Union,  rich  in  wlicat  waving  on  a  million  fertile 
fields,  bearing  a  i>riceless  beard  of  lofty  lir  and  cedar  forests, 
having  choice  orchards  on  the  banks  of  rivers  which  run  salmon 
enough  for  a  nation,  and  shipping  its  products  to  the  Atlantic  sea- 
board over  four  transcontinental  railroatl  lines,  and  to  the  far 
Orient  by  oceanic  steamships  from  Tacoma  to  China  and  the  New 
Japan.  But  Dr.  Cushing  Eells,  after  his  rigorous  bridal  tour  of 
three  thousand  railcs,  after  a  patient  service  of  fifty-five  fruitful 
years,  resulting  in  the  evangelization  of  Indian  tribes,  the  founding 
of  two  colleges  and  many  churches,  and  the  ripe  accumulations  of 
fourscore  years,  did  see  all  that;  and  if  his  unbounded  modesty 
had  not  forbidden  could  have  honestly  said,  concerning  the  reli- 
gious and  moral  transformations  at  least,  ^'' 3Iafjna pars  fiii,''^ 

The  story  of  Dr.  Eells  which  is  now  given  to  the  public  by  one 
well  worthy  to  be  his  faithful  and  loving  chronicler  is  not  the 
history  of  a  man  but  of  a  movement,  and  a  movement  of  great 
significance  to  our  whole  American  nation.  The  vast  wealth  borne 
on  the  surface  and  buried  in  the  mold  and  mines  of  the  North- 
west our  children  will  estimate  more  accurately  than  we  can;  but 
whatever  its  uncounted  value  shall  prove  to  be,  it  basks  beneath 
the  glorious  folds  of  the  Stars  and  Stripes  because  such  men  as 
Eells  and  Whitman  were  here,  statesmen  as  well  as  Christians, 
and  because  they  traversed  the  wild  mountains  and  taught  the 
wild  tribes  with  an  intelligent  and  far-seeing  patriotism,  wisely 
coupled  with  Christian  sweetness  and  light,  married  also  to  an 
indomitable  will  and  undying  determination. 

Such  tales  as  those  which  follow  can  have  no  duplicate.  If  the 
men  are  born,  the  opportunity  cannot  recur.    Unknown  empires 


INTBODUCTION. 


within  our  indeterminate  borders  exist  no  longer;  the  age  is  late, 
the  titles  have  been  disputed,  the  domain  explored,  the  lines 
drawn.  We  shall  send  no  more  foreign  missionaries  to  distant 
fields  and  waken  to  find  the  land  still  our  own  and  the  title  won 
by  a  caravan  of  settlers  led  over  the  mountain  passes  by  a  conse- 
crated missionary  of  the  cross,  an  appointee  of  the  American 
Hoard  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions. 

It  is  best  to  read  this  well,  for  between  the  lines  of  personal 
biography  runs  the  cipher  tale  of  a  new  nation,  still  under  the  old 
Hag,  but  destined  to  play  a  signal  part  in  the  future  of  American 
life  and  national  power  through  its  limitless  resources.  The 
Indians  will  pass  away,  but  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest  will 
wear  in  the  heavenly  fields  the  white  robes,  because  Father  Eells 
pointed  them  tenderly  to  the  faithful  shepherd,  the  Christ.  The 
front  rank  of  settlers,  the  pioneer  missionaries,  has  even  now  van- 
ished—  Dr.  Eells  was  the  last  of  them;  but  the  Institutions  they 
founded,  the  churches  they  builded,  the  works  they  finished,  abide. 
They  molded  the  infant  civilization,  and  the  print  of  their  faith 
will  not  be  transient. 

Verily  it  was  an  honor  to  know  Father  Eells,  and  a  rare  privi- 
lege to  sit  and  listen  to  his  thrilling  tales  of  early  struggles  and 
later  conquest  for  his  Master.  The  little  pcLknife  given  him  in 
Hosmer's  store  in  Hartford,  before  he  started  for  the  frontier,  he 
showed  me  the  Friday  before  his  death,  his  companion  for  fifty 
years ;  and  many  a  deft  bit  of  surgery  it  performed  in  the  hand  of 
its  skillful  owner.  It  wasn't  much  like  a  case  of  modern  sur- 
geon's tools,  but  that  difTerence  illustrates  the  fine  contrast 
between  this  modest,  old-fashioned  servant  of  God  and  some  of 
his  luxurious  successors.    As  simple  in  his  faith  and  in  his  rigor- 


T 


8 


INTBODUCTION. 


ous  economy  of  living  and  in  his  transparent  worth  as  the  true 
blade  he  carried  unchanged  for  half  a  century,  he  was  a  benedic- 
tion to  all  who  knew  him.  And  with  all  that  simplicity  he  had 
only  charity  for  his  brethren  and  fine  appreciation  of  every  mark 
of  respect  and  deed  of  kindness  that  any  brother  might  pay  him. 

I  saw  his  life  go  out  like  stars  at  the  coming  of  the  dawn.  On 
Friday  he  mounted  his  famous  horse,  Lo  Blond,  at  my  door  and 
rode  oft".  On  Sunday  he  listened  reverently  as  I  preached.  On 
Wednesday  in  the  early  morning,  with  the  old  trait  of  doing 
promptly  what  was  to  be  done,  he  left  us  for  the  last  journey. 
The  longed-for  eighty  years  were  completed,  and  our  Father's 
House  was  richer  by  the  entrance  of  faithful  Father  Eells. 

As  you  read,  remember  the  rigors  of  his  early  years,  the  mellow- 
ness of  his  final  harmonies,  and  the  rare  unselfishness  of  his  whole 
eventful  career.    "  Whose  faith  follow." 

With  deep  and  tender  respect  I  sign  myself,  in  gratitude  for  the 

honor,  his  last  pastor, 

L.  H.  HALLOCK. 

Tacoma,  Washington,  Octwber,  1896. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

BIRTH,  ANCKSTRY,  AND  KARLY  LIFE. 

Birth.  —  Major  Sjuuuel  Eells.  -  Other  ancestors.  ~  Character- 
istics of  the  family. -Justice  to  tlie  Indians. -Ministry.- 
Patriotism.  -  Education.  -  Lon-  life.  -  lihmdford.  -  Incident. 
-Conversion. -Education  at  lilandford.  —  East  Granville.  — 
Dr.  Coe.-Monson  Academy.- Williams  College. -East 
Windsor.  -  The  Zulus.  -  Ordination.  -  Marriage.  -  Mrs. 
Eells 


AGE 


15 


CHAPTJ<]R  II. 

CROSSING  THE  CONTINENT. 

1838. 

Change  of  life  work. -Early  Oregon  missions.  -  Bridal 
tour. -To  New  York. -Julia  Brace. -Instructions. -Sab- 
bath incident. -To  Cincinnati. -Pack  saddles. -Slavery. - 
Missouri. -Packing. -First  day. -American  Fur  Company. 
-Mode  of  travel. -Nicking  a  horse.  -  Buffalo  meat. -Fort 
Laramie. -North  Fork  of  Platte. -Rain. -Mrs.  Walker. - 
Crossing   Sweetwater.  -  American    rendezvous. -Fourth  of 

July. -Fort  Hall. -Bois6.- Arrival  at  Dr.  Whitman's      .    .    33 

9 


10 


CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER  III. 

ORKGON  IN  1838. 


PAGE 


Government.  —  Population.  —  Hudson's  Bay  Company.  —  Set- 
tlements.—  Passports.  —  United  States  in  1838.  —  Large  cities. 

—  Wagons.  —  Houses.  —  Furniture.  —  Hotels.  —  Sacks.  — 
Clothes.  —  Beef.  —  Matches.  —  Post  oflices.  —  Mail.  —  Stores.  — 
Money.  —  Mrs.  Eells'  impressions.  —  Indians.  —  Their  number.    63 

CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 

1838-48. 

Arrangements.  —  Messrs.  Smith,  Rogers,  Gray,  Spalding, 
Walker,  Whitman. — To  Colville.  —  Sele(!ting  station.  —  At 
Dr.  Whitman's,  1838-39.  —  To  Tshimakain.  —  Gardens.  —  Frost. 

—  The  Spokane  language.  —  School. —  Packing. — Religious 
instruction.  —  (ieneral  work.  — 1840.  —  Habits  of  Indians. — 
Religious  instruction.  —  School.  — Indian  character.  —  Pros- 
pects. —  Fire.  —  Progress.  —  School.  —  Music.  —  Travels.  — 
School.  —  Dr.  Whitman's  journey  east  in  1842-43.  —  Whitman 
controversy.  — 1844.  —  Progress.  —  Maternal  association.  — 
Severe  winter  of  1846-47.  —  Shoes. — Shawls.  —  Cheese. — 
Death  of  Mrs.  Eells'  father.  — Prospect 82 


\ 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE  MISSION  BROKEN  UP. 

Massacre  of  Dr.  Whitman. — Providences  which  sav-u  Mr, 
Eells.  —  Incident  about  Mr.  Walker.  — Fidelity  of  the  Spo- 
kaues. — False  rumors.  —  Cayuse  war.  —  Removal  to  Port  Col- 
ville.—  War  whoop.  —  Councils.  —  In  dangers  oft.  —  Travels. 
—  Good-by  to  Tshimakain.  —  To  the  AVillamette.  —  Spokane 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

ny.  — Set- 
rge  cities. 
SaclvS.  — 
Stores. — 
■  number.    63 


Spakling, 
ion.  —  At 
—  Frost. 
Relijjious 
idians. — 
•.  —  Pros- 
ravels.  — 
Whitman 
iation.  — 
Jlieese.  — 


iV-,u  x*Ir. 
tlie  Spo- 
^'ort  Col- 
Travels. 
Spokane 


82 


11 

PAOR 


Indians.  —  Dr. Dirt      xv  tt  n        ^j.      ,,  ^ 

Wrfeht      ^1    J!  '     •  -Y'"'"™  '■""■■  -  Colonel 

wlh        ■,       '""•-*"*'■•  L"^'«u>.eoI. -Spokane,  at  W,.ll» 

T.ree  ....aj.."!  r:::- ^r,;  -  ""'"•  - '"""-'  ,, 

12o 

CHAPTER  VI. 

IN  THE  WILLAMETTE  VALLEY. 

1848-60. 

Town", '^'!'"""""  '"  '^-«»™""»"'- Population. - 
Towns. -Money. -Congregational  mi„i.,ter»  and  oburebes 
-Congro^atlonali.,,,,  tho„  „„.,  „„„  west  of  the  MK,i.,Mppr. -' 
West  „,  New  En.lan.l.  -  TeaCIn,  at  Salen,.  -  Hare,  ti™L.  - 
A  Fores  Orove.-,. rices  at  Hlllsboron,.,. - Dl.nlsslon  fron, 
the  Board  Rem™  to  Forest  Grove. -„.„K||„,.  of  the  Con- 
«re^.t,ona,eh,,r„h._Kn.,ow,n„nt„f  a.-rofessorshlp  I,.  Pae,„e 


158 


CHAPTER  VII. 


WHITMAN  SEMINARY. 

1860-82. 

J2  '°7"""  ''^'"'"  '"  •^'''-DHern^lnation  to  found  a 
school.     s„„,„„  „,  j8o„  „j  „,^  ^^^^^^^^^  mission. -Walia 

Wa  ,„  „.  ,«.-Pourth  Of  Ju„.-Pirst  trustees'  n.eeting 
1861.  -Wmterot  1801-02. -Final  ren.oval  in  1802.  -  Con.-r^ 
Eat,o„al  ehnr,.|,  at  Wulla  Walla.  -  Horse  stealing.  _  V|.-lla°,ce 
comn.lttee. -Location  and  building  of  Whitnmn  Semhrary.- 
Dedn:a.,on.- Teaching  in  Whitman  Seminary.  _  School  ,u- 
penntendent  of  Wnlla  W, County.  -Paying  the  debt  on  the 

rw','°7'~f'"'""""-"'"-""''"""'*<"'-""'^"-Teachers 
m  Whitman  Seminary  from  1809  to  1882 

•         •         •        -i  4  ^ 


minmmmmmi 


12 


CON  TENTS. 
CHAPTER  VIII. 

WHITMAN  COLLEGE. 

1882-93. 


PAGE 


Dr.  A.  J.  Anderson.  —  Going  east.  —  National  Council. — 
Disappointment.  —  FecjJings.  —  Extrac^ts  from  letters  and  jour- 
nal. —Will.  —  Incidental  pleasures.  —  Relatives.  --  Blandford. 
Return  to  Washington. —New  college  buildings.  — Fiftieth 
anniversary.  —  Denominational  relations  of  the  college. — 
President  Eaton 199 


CHAPTER  IX. 

HOME  MISSIONAKY  WORK. 

1872-81. 

Who  is  a  home  missionary?  —  Pugot  Sound  in  1872.  —  Sko- 
komish  and  vicinity.  — To  Colville,1874.  —  187o.  —  Lc  Blond.— 
Seventieth  birthday  of  Mrs.  Eells.  — At  Colville  in  1876.— 
Mrs.  Eells  to  Forest  Grove.  —  Magnetic  drawing  east  of  the 
Cascade  Mountains.  —  Northeastern  Washington  in  1874. — 
Colfax. — Organization  of  church.  —  Letters  to  the  church. 
—  To  Dr.  D.  S.  Baker.  —  Fortieth  anniversary  of  marriage.— 
Death  of  Mrs.  Eells.  — Building  of  the  church  at  Colfax.— 
Prayers.  —  School  superintendent.  —  Resignation  as  pastor    .    219 


.n 


CHAPTER  X. 

HOME  MISSIONARY  WORK,  CONTINUED. 

1875-88. 

Out-stations.  —  Dayton.  —  Chewelah  and  Colville.  —  First 
and  last  work  in  Washington.  — Cheney.  — Charge  and  right 
hand  of  fellowship  to  Rev.  F.  T.  Clark,  Spokane.— Tribute 


CONTENTS. 

of  Dr.  AlkiiiHon.  — JU'inovai  to  Mnlical  Lako.  — To  Clieucy. 
S|)ra;,'ii('.  — Mrdical  Lako.  —  lt«;tiirn  tlieic  — Pleasant  Prairie. 
—DenoMiinational  zeal. —Ite!si;^'nation.  — Prayers 


13 


|'A(;k 


248 


CHAPTER  XI. 

LAST  DAYS. 

1888-93. 

Retired,  yet  i)reacbing.  — Fiftietii  Anniversary. —Foiir- 
seore.  —  Last  trip  to  Skokoniisb.  —  Baptism  of  ^^randciliildren 
and  death  of  one. —  Ministerial  Alliance.  — Eij^bty-one.— 
Death  of  his  brother  Charles.— La  grippe.  —  Injury.— 
Thoughts  of  death.  — Death  of  fellow  workers.— Death. — 
Funeral. —Memorial  Services. —  Tributes 272 


CHAPTER  XII. 


CHARACTERISTICS. 


Pioneer.  -  Memory.  -  Precision.  —  Economy.  -  Prayer.  — 
Benevolence. -Consistency. -Love  for  Christian  education. 
-For  the  ministry. -For  the  missionary  work. -Consecra- 
tion.-Trial  and  faith. -An  answer  to  skeptics.- An  ordi- 
nary man.  -  Changes.  -  In  due  time  ye  shall  reap  if  ye  faint 
not.  —  Conclusion 


310 


ii 


FATHER   EELLS 


OR 


The  Results  of  Fifty-five  Years  of  iMissionary 
Labors  in  Washington  and  Oregon. 


CHAPTER  I. 

BIIITII,    ANCKSTKV,    AND    EAKLY    LIFE. 

CUSHING  EELLS  was  borii  at  Blantlford,  in 
western  Massachusetts,  February  16,  1810,  and 
was  the  son  of  Joseph  and  p:iizabeth  (Warner)  EeUs. 
He  was  the  third  child  and  oldest  son  of  a  family  of 
ten,  all  of  whom  lived  to  be  of  age. 

The  fh-st  of  the  Eells  family  to  come  to  America  was 
John,  who  arrived  in  Massachusetts  probably  in  1G30. 
He  lived  at  Dorchester  until  1640,  when  he  returned  to 
Barnstable,  England.  He  never  came  back  to  Amer- 
ica. He  took  with  him  his  infant  son  Samuel,  who  was 
born  at  Dorchester,  Mass.,  June  23,  1639,  and  bap- 
tized by  Rev.  Richard  Mather.  Samuel  remained  in 
England  untU  1661.  While  there  he  was  a  major 
in  CromweU's  army,  among  those  "Ironsides"  whose 

15 


1 


V 


16 


FATIIEli  EKLLS. 


motto  was  to  "trust  in  God  and  keep  their  powder 
dry."  When  he  was  twenty-two  years  old  he  returned 
to  this  continent  and  became  the  progenitor  of  all 
of  the  name  in  America.  He  went  to  Connecticut 
and  was  one  of  tiie  first  settlers  of  Milford.  He 
was  a  man  of  wealth,  a  lawyer,  and  commanded  a 
garrison  in  King  Philip's  War.  He  died  April  21, 
1709. 

The  following  is  the  direct  line  of  descent  from  him 
to  Gushing :  the  youngest  son  of  Major  Samuel  was 
Rev.  Nathaniel,  born  November  26,  1677,  at  Milford, 
who  graduated  at  Harvard  University  in  1699  and 
settled  at  Scituate,  Mass.,  in  1704,  where  he  lived 
until  his  death,  August  25,  1750. 

His  second  son  was  Rev.  Nathaniel,  who  was  born 
February  4,  1710,  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1728,  and 
settled  in  Stonington,  Conn.,  where  he  remained  until 
his  death  in  1786,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years, 
fifty-three  of  which  he  spent  in  the  ministry.^  He 
married  Mercy  Cushing,  a  daughter  of  Hon.  John 
Gushing,  from  whence  came  the  name  for  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

His  third  son  was  Deacon  Nathaniel,  who  was  born 


1  He  is  mentioned  iu  the  centennial  papers  of  the  General  Confer- 
ciice  of  Connecticut,  gathered  in  1876,  and  an  election  sermon  of  his, 
preached  before  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  at 
Hartford,  May  12, 1748,  and  printed  by  the  printer  to  the  Governor  and 
Company,  is  iu  the  possession  of  the  writer. 


BIUTII,  ANCESTliY,   AND  EARLY  LIFE.       17 


July  16,  174'J.  He  lived  at  North  Coventry,  Conn., 
and  died  at  IJolton,  in  the  same  state,  December  20, 
1799. 

His  fifth  child  was  Joseph,  the  father  of  Cushing, 
who  was  born  at  Coventry,  May  12,  17H1;  married, 
first,  Elizabeth  Warner,  of  Windham,  Conn.,  by  whom 
he  had  nine  children,  and  who  died  at  lUandford, 
April  27,  1822  ;  and  second,  Abigail  Green,  by  whom 
he  had  one  daughter.  He  died  at  Norwalk,  Ohio, 
January  1,  186 1. 

It  is  proper  here  to  note  a  few  items  in  regard  to 
the  family  in  general.  Love  of  justice  to  the  Indian 
was  one  strong  trait  in  the  character  of  Major  Samuel 
Eells.  The  historian  of  King  Philip's  War  says  Cap- 
tain Eells  immortalized  his  name  by  his  opposition  to 
the  diabolical  act  of  government  (the  Plymouth  Col- 
ony) ill  selling  Indian  captives  as  slaves.  "In- 
deed," says  llev.  W.  W.  Eells,  a  distant  relative  of 
Cushing,  "  had  not  his  plans  been  overruled  by  mere 
force,  there  would  have  been  no  such  war."  Brownell 
says  in  his  Indian  Races  of  America  :  ^  "  Not  far  from 
this  time  (July,  1675),  the  town  of  Dartmouth, 
having  been  in  a  great  measure  destroyed  by  the 
enemy,  a  large  number  of  Indians,  not  less  than  one 
hundred  and  sixty,  who  had  dwelt  in  the  country 
thereabout,  and  who  were  not  active  partakers  in  the 
1  Page  242. 


II 


I 


18 


FATIIEIt  EELLS. 


destruction  of  the  town,  delivered  themselves  (ip  to 
one  Captain  Kelis,  ui)on  promises  of  j^ood  trejitment. 
They  were  nevertheless  tiiken  to  rivmoiith,  sold  by 
the  colonial  authorities  as  slaves,  and  transported  to 
foreign  ports.  Captains  Church  and  Eells  made  upon 
this  occasion  the  most  vehement  remonstrances,  ex- 
pressed by  Church  with  his  characteristic  energy  and 
spirit ;  but  all  to  no  purpose,  as  it  only  secured 
him  the  ill-will  of  the  government.  The  act  was 
grossly  impolitic,  as  well  as  perfidious  and  cruel." 
With  such  an  ancestor  it  has  not  been  strange  that  the 
same  idea  of  justice  to  the  Indian  remains  in  the 
family. 

An  inclination  toward  the  ministry  has  also  been 
prominent  in  the  family.  Major  Samuel  Kells  was 
not  a  minister,  but  he  married  the  daughter  of  Kol)ert 
Linthal,  the  first  minister  of  Weymouth,  Mass.,  who, 
although  she  died  when  her  son  Nathaniel  was  only 
twelve  years  old,  seems  to  have  I' '  such  an  impress 
on  him  that  he  entered  the  ministry.     So  did  his  son. 

In  speaking  of  Edward  Eells,  Jr.,  then  recently 
licensed  to  preach.  The  Presbyterian  Banner  of  Octo- 
ber 7,  1885,  says:  "He  is  the  twentieth  of  the  same 
name  and  family  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  since 
1703.  All  but  one  of  these  have  been  in  Consrre<ia- 
tional  or  Presbyterian  churches,  graduates  of  Harvard, 
yale,  Williams,  Hamilton,  Pacific  University,  or  the 


JJUiTII,  ANCE8TltY,  AND  EARLY  LIFE.      19 


University  of  Virginia,  and  all  sound  in  the  faith  of 
lilt'  Wcstmiustt'r  standiirds.  Hesides  these,  the  Tiiulti- 
tude  who  as  deacons  and  ehlers  have  served  tho 
Church  is  unnumbered.  And  not  by  any  means  less 
are  the  many  daughters  of  the  family,  who,  as  tho 
wives  and  mothers  of  clergymen  of  other  names,  have 
served  or  are  serving  the  cause  of  Christ  in  stations 
no  less  responsible." 

Among  the  children  of  Rev.  Edward  Eclls,  a  son 
of  the  first  Rev.  Nathaniel,  of  Scituate,  were  three 
clergymen.  In  1836  James  Henry  P^ells,  who  was 
the  fifth  educated  clergyman  in  du*ect  ancestral  line, 
was  drowned. 

Patriotism  too  has  been  noticeable.  Rev.  Samuel 
Eells  (son  of  Edward  just  mentioned)  was  pastor 
at  North  Branford,  Conn.,  during  the  Revolutionary 
War.  He  raised  a  volunteer  company  from  his  own 
congregation,  of  which  he  was  chosen  captain,  but 
fortunately  there  was  no  occasion  for  his  services. 

Captain  Robert  L.  Eells,  grandson  of  the  first  Rev. 
Nathaniel,  is  said,  in  the  History  of  Hanover,  to 
have  been  eminently  patriotic  and  an  able  officer  in 
the  Revolutionary  War.  He  was  on  the  committee  of 
correspondence  and  safety  from  1775  to  1780.  The 
same  book  names  Samuel,  Samuel,  Jr.,  Robert,  and 
William  W.,  as  soldiers  in  the  same  war,  from  the 
same  town  as  Captain  Robert  L.  Eells. 


f        ^Tl 


mmm 


20 


FATHER  EELL8. 


W 


i  I 


Rev.  Nathaniel  P^ells,  of  Stouington,  Conn,  (great- 
grandfather of  dishing  Eclls),  preached  a  Thanks- 
giving sermon  in  1777,  immediately  after  the  defeat 
of  Burgoyne.  He  said  :  "  God  has  blessed  the  arms 
of  the  country  with  victory  and  success  beyond  our 
most  sanguine  expectations.  And  what  a  damp  must 
this  prove  to  the  European  troops,  when  they  hear 
that  the  Lord  is  with  us  to  fight  our  battles,  and  to 
pull  down  our  enemies !  And  when  the  news  does 
cross  the  Atlantic  and  pierce  the  ears  of  the  king 
and  ministry  and  parliament  of  Great  Britain,  how 
they  will  gnash  their  teeth  and  melt  away,  to  hear 
that  their  boasted  general  and  so  great  a  part  of 
their  chosen  troops  are  become  a  prey  to  the  poor 
Americans ! "  ^ 

The  preacher  was  appointed  chaplain  of  a  regiment 
to  be  raised  and  stationed  at  New  London,  Conn. 

His  son.  Rev.  John  Eells,  whose  ministry  also 
spanned  the  Revolution,  was  so  patriotic  that  when  the 
news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  reached  Glastonbury, 
Conn.,  during  divine  service,  it  was  announced  from 
the  pulpit.^ 

Deacon  E.  S.  Tanner  and  Dr.  Gushing  Eells  were 
both  in  the  Walla  Walla  valley  more  or  less  during  the 
Civil  War.    A  considerable   number  of    its  settlers 

1  Centennial  papers  of  the  General  Conference  of  Connecticut,  1S76, 
p.  77. 
Ubid.p.50. 


BIRTH,  ANCESTRY,  AND  EAliLY  LIFE.      21 


sympathized  strongly  with  the  South  —  so  strongly 
that  thev  elected  a  man  as  sheriff  who,  when  he 
learned  that  he  was  elected,  publicly  said  that  he 
would  give  five  hundred  dollars  to  know  that  Abra- 
ham Lincoln  was  killed,  and  another  five  hundred  to 
know  that  Jefferson  Davis  was  President  of  the 
United  State?.  Hence  it  was  not  strange  that  much 
fault  was  found  with  those  who  favored  the  Union. 
Deacon  Tanner  once  said  that  it  made  Dr.  Eells  feel 
quite  badly  when  he  could  not  at  a  Sabbath  service 
pray  for  the  President  and  country  without  being 
found  fault  with  severely. 

One  nephew  of  Dr.  Eells  lost  his  life  in  the  Civil 
War  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen,  and  the  only  nephew 
of  Mrs.  Eells  able  to  bear  arms  was  a  lieutenant  in 
the  same  war. 

In  the  item  about  ministers  it  was  said  that  twenty 
ministers,  all  but  one  college  bred,  had  come  from  the 
family.  Higher  education  has  been  an  objective 
among  many  of  the  family.  Rev.  Edward  Eells  was 
for  some  years  a  tutor  in  Yale  College,  and  also  for 
several  years  a  trustee  of  the  same  institution.  John 
Eells,  a  brother  of  Dr.  Gushing  Eells,  was  one  of  the 
founders  and  trustees  of  the  Western  Female  Sem- 
inary, at  Oxford,  Ohio.  Rev.  James  Eells,  d.d.,  was 
also  for  some  years  bofoie  his  death  a  professor  in 
the  Lane  Theological  Seminary,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 


} 


;  'I 

Hi 


li 

1' 

' 

.1 

i 

: 

[ 

1 

! 

1 

i 

1 

'    1 

1 

i 

I 

! 

i  ■              < 

r 

• 

22 


FATHEB  BELLS, 


Long  life  is  another  characteristic  of  the  family. 
Major  Samuel  Eells  died  at  seventy,  his  son  at 
seventy-three,  and  his  son  was  seventy-six.  Dr. 
Eells'  grandfather  lived  to  be  fifty,  his  grandmother 
to  be  eighty-four.  The  seven  children  of  this  grand- 
father averaged  sixty-nine  years.  The  average  age 
of  the  nine  brothers  and  sisters  of  Dr.  Eells  was 
fifty-eight,  their  father  having  been  over  seventy-nine 
years  and  seven  mouths. 

It  is  not  strange  that  Rev.  W.  W.  Eells,  of  Pitts- 
burg, Penn.,  wrote  to  the  author  thus  in  1872:  "I 
do  not  know  what  interest  you  may  take  in  the  gene- 
alogy of  our  family,  but  there  is  certainly  no  harm  in 
knowing  that  we  came  of  honorable  and  pious  ances- 
try. Ours  is  eminently  such.  Wherever  I  have  met 
any  of  the  name  (and  I  have  met  very  many)  they 
are  almost  invariably  sound  in  the  faith  of  the  old- 
fashioned  gosp' '.  The  God  of  our  fathers  has  kej)! 
his  covenant  with  the  children." 

Gushing  P^ells  spent  his  early  years  in  his  native 
place,  Blandford,  on  a  spur  of  the  Green  Mountains. 
To  the  writer,  in  1870,  on  account  of  its  rocky  nature, 
it  looked  as  if  it  would  make  those  who  lived  there 
energetic  or  shiftless  —  energetic  if  they  should  con- 
quer the  obstacles  of  nature  enough  to  obtain  a  living; 
from  the  soil,  but  shiftless  if  thev  should  succumb  to 


i 

nature,  as  then  they  would   receive  no  return. 

The 

i       i 

J 

BIIiTH,  ANCESTBY,   AND   EARLY  LIFE.      23 


the  family. 
liis  son  at 
y-six.  Dr. 
randraother 
this  grand- 
Lverage  age 
Eells  was 
leventy-nine 

Is,  of  Pitts- 
i   1872:    "I 
in  the  genc- 
r  no  harm  in 
pions  ances- 
I  have  met 
many)  they 
of  the  old- 
irs  has  kept 

in  his  native 
1  Mountains, 
•ockv  nature, 

ftr 

)  lived  there 
should  con- 

3tain  a  living 
succumb  to 

return.     The 


writer  had  evidence  that  it  had  acted  in  both  ways, 
making  the  inliabitants  in  1810  energetic,  while  having 
nil  opposite  effect  on  the  man  who  lived  in  the  Eells 
lioniestead  in  1870,  as  he  was  barefoot,  and  looked 
decidedly  discouraged. 

Dorus  Clarke,  d.d.,  the  early  pastor  of  Cushing, 
tells  the  following  story  of  him :  — 

At  one  time  there  was  considerable  religious  interest 
in  the  community,  and  Dr.  Clarke  visited  the  family 
to  converse  on  the  subject.  Cushing,  seeing  him 
coming,  and  fearing  that  the  pastor  wished  to  talk 
with  him,  slipped  out  the  back  door  as  the  pastor 
came  in  the  front  one,  and  ran  away.  And  yet  this 
runawav  afterwards  became  a  missionarv. 

His  own  account  of  his  conversion  is  as  follows, 
dictated  by  himself  a  year  before  death :  — 

"In  1825,  when  past  fifteen  years  of  age,  there  was 
special  religious  interest  in  our  place.  I  was  working 
alone  in  a  field  when  I  believe  the  Spirit  of  God  came 
upon  me.  My  sins  were  set  in  order  before  me.  I  was 
alone,  hoeing  potatoes.  I  rested,  leaned  upon  my  hoe, 
and  wept.  I  wept  so  freely  that  I  was  ashamed  to  ap- 
pear at  home  without  applying  water  to  my  face.  I 
went  to  a  spring  and  washed  my  face.  For  several 
weeks  I  was  under  conviction  of  sin.  One  morning  I 
awoke  with  increased   conviction,  and  did   not   arise 


24 


VATlIKlt    EKLLS, 


■  \i 


until  .after  breakfast.  1  walked  to  i\w,  barn.  I  Raid  to 
myself:  '  I  have  heard  people  speak  of  the  burden  of 
sin  ;  I  now  feel  that  burden.'  I  returned  to  my  cham- 
ber ;  an  exi)erienee  that  I  eannot  well  define  was  had. 
I  realized  that  the  burden  was  gone.  1  was  fearful 
that  I  had  grieved  away  the  Spirit,  and  if  1  luul  done 
so  I  was  apprehensive  tiiat  my  condition  was  sealed 
against  me.  I  was  in  greater  distress  than  before, 
and  vet  the  burden  had  left  me.  I  wanted  to  get 
back  my  feelings,  and  knowing  tiiat  a  certain  young 
man  was  working  in  a  field  not  far  distant,  I  went 
to  see  him.  My  object  in  doing  so  was  that  1  hoped 
he  would  s.iy  something  that  would  bring  back  my 
former  feelings.  lie,  however,  perceived  the  evi- 
dence of  a  change,  and  said  so.  I  could  not  readily 
accept  the  correctness  of  his  ideas.  I  returned  home. 
My  oldest  sister  was  a  professing  Christian.  She  met 
me  as  I  reached  home.  She  asked  me  if  I  felt  differ- 
ently ;  I  made  no  reply.  I  had  heard  others  say 
that  the  Hible  seemed  dilTerent  to  them  after  they 
had  experienced  a  change.  I  went  to  the  Bible  and 
o})ened  it ;  it  looked  as  it  had  previously  done.  Not 
many  days  after  1  called  on  this  young  man  again  — 
King  Hastings  was  his  name.  I  saul :  'Can  it  be  that 
my  heart  has  been  changed  when  I  have  so  many 
wicked  thoughts?'  His  reply  was,  in  substance: 
*That  is  the  very  evictence  that  it  has  been  changed. 


lilUTII,   ANCESTRY,  AND  EARLY  lAFE.      25 


Raid  to 
irdeii  of 
s  cluim- 
^518  had. 

fearful 
jul  doufi 
a  sealed 

before, 

I  to  <jjet 

II  young 
,  T  went 
1  hoped 
hack  my 
the  evi- 
t  readily 

d  home. 
She  met 
ilt  diffcr- 
icrs   say 
fter  they 
iihle  and 
lie.     Not 
again  — 
it  be  that 
so  many 
ibstance : 
changed. 


-1 


Heretofore  your  wicked  liiouglitH  did  not  troul)le  you  ; 
they  do  now.'  Kev.  Dorus  Clarke,  my  pastor,  liad 
said  that  when  his  heart  wms  clianged  it  was  in  the 
niglit,  but  it  was  the  lightest  day  he  ever  saw.  I  tiicn 
tliought:  'If  my  heart  sliall  be  changed,  I  shall  know 
it;  it  will  be  as  plain  as  passing  from  a  dark  room  to 
a  light  one.*  I  will  not  dwell  on  that,  only  the  Scrip- 
ture saith  :  'The  path  of  the  just  is  as  a  shining  light, 
that  shincth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.' 
Tlisit  was  my  experience  —  like  the  dim  light  of  the 
early  morning ;  but  it  continued  to  grow  brighter,  and 
since  1825  to  the  i)resent  time  that  Scripture  has  been 
expressive  of  my  experience." 

While  the  evidence  to  himself  and  friends  was  at 
that  time  satisfactory  that  he  was  a  Christian,  while 
his  friends  of  like  experience  united  with  the  church, 
wliile  by  word  and  deed  he  confessed  Christ  openly 
—  yet,  to  use  his  own  expression  fifty-five  years  later, 
he  "  foolishly  and  wickedly  deferred  becoming  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church  till  the  s[)ring  of  1827." 

Simeon  Shurtleflf,  the  son  of  a  neighbor,  about  that 
time  determined  to  get  a  college  education.  His 
father,  Mr.  Eells'  father,  and  their  minister  consulted 
and  thought  that  Cushing  should  do  likewise.  At  first 
the  idea  was  not  acceptable,  as  he  did  not  think  him- 
self  a  bright  enough  scholar,  but   afterwards,  as  ho 


ill 


■   1! 
•'•   'I 


26 


FATHER  EELL8, 


thought  more,  he  determined  to  do  as  they  thought 
best.  The  minister,  Dr.  Clarke,  opened  a  select 
school,  where  four  or  five  scholars  went  and  studied 
grammar  only  during  the  winter  of  1825-26.  The 
next  spring  Gushing  borrowed  a  Latin  grammar,  which 
he  studied  at  home.  A  short  time  after  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  him  to  go  to  East  Granville, 
a  town  seven  miles  distant.  There  he  studied  the 
greater  part  of  the  next  summer  under  Dr.  Timothy 
M.  Cooley,  the  pastor,  walking  there  on  Monday 
mornings  and  returning  on  Saturday  afternoons. 
Near  that  road  lived  Deacon  Coe.  His  son  David 
was  then  at  work  on  his  father's  farm.  As  he  saw 
Gushing  walking  to  and  from  school  he  thought  that 
he  too  might  do  something  besides  working  on  a 
farm.  His  thoughts  took  such  a  turn  that  he  went 
through  Williams  College  and  entered  the  ministry. 
For  many  years,  as  D.  B.  Coe,  d.d.,  he  was  one  of 
the  secretaries  of  the  American  Home  Missionary 
Society.  About  forty-five  years  afterwards,  when  he 
commissioned  a  son  of  Dr.  Cushing  Eells  as  a  home 
missionary  to  the  Pacific  coast,  he  told  him  how  those 
walks  of  the  father  had  had  quite  an  influence  in  lead- 
ing himself  into  his  great  life-work. 

Through  the  influence  of  Dr.  Clarke,  after  a  time  it 
was  thought  best  that  young  Eells  should  change  his 
place  of  study,  and  he  went  to   Monson    Academy, 


BIRTH,  ANCESTRY,   AND   EARLY  LIFE.       27 


wheie  lie  prepared  for  college  under  Rev.  Simeon 
Col  ton.  The  idea  of  receiving  help  from  the  Edu- 
cation Society  was  suggested.  He  walked  from  Mon- 
son  to  Amherst,  where  he  met  Dr.  Ileman  Humphrey 
and  President  Edward  Hitchcock.  They  recom- 
mended him  to  the  society,  and  from  that  time  he 
received  twelve  dollars  a  quarter  during  his  academy 
course,  witli  the  exception  of  one  quarter,  when  he 
taught  school.  After  he  entered  college  this  aid  was 
increased  to  seventy-five  dollars  a  year.  To  obtain 
this  he  signed  notes  without  interest ;  but  when  he 
entered  missionary  work  he  was  released  from  all 
these  notes,  that  being  the  custom  of  the  Education 
Society.  He  always  felt  grateful  to  the  society,  hoW" 
ever,  and  occasionally  made  donations  to  it.  After 
he  sold  his  farm,  — the  Whitman  Mission,  —  in  1872, 
he  gave  the  society  one  thousand  dollars,  thus  fully 
repaying  it. 

In  1830  he  entered  Williams  College.  He  gradu- 
ated four  years  later  in  the  same  class  with  Hoci. 
Alexander  Hyde,  E.  H.  Griffin,  d.d.,  and  Senator 
James  Dixon  of  Connecticut. 

The  distance  between  his  home  and  college  was 
forty-five  miles.  When  he  entered  his  father  took 
him,  his  few  books  and  small  baggage,  in  a  one- 
horse  wagon.  During  the  winter  of  1831-32,  with  a 
one-horse  cutter,  his  father  accompanied  him  to  Pitt9- 


^ 


28 


FATHER  EELLS. 


field,  twenty -five  miles.  At  this  place  his  father 
turned  back,  and  he  walked  to  his  destination.  The 
snow  path  and  ice  were  trying  to  the  strength  of 
pedestrians.  In  one  limb  he  suffered  for  several 
weeks.  By  the  kindness  of  a  friend  he  once  rode 
two  thirds  of  the  distance.  At  his  graduation  a 
sister  and  brother  went  and  took  him  home  in  a 
one-horse  wagon.  The  rest  of  his  trips,  two  or 
three  each  year,  he  walked  the  entire  distance,  too 
poor  to  do  otherwise.  In  1829,  caught  in  a  snow- 
storm, he  rode  seven  miles  in  a  stage.  In  1835  or 
1836  he  passed  from  Hartford  to  New  Haven  in  a 
steamer,  and  in  1837  he  rode  in  a  car  from  Worcester 
to  Boston  and  b-^ck.  That  was  the  extent  of  his  use 
of  public  conveyances  while  acquiring  his  education. 

After  leaving  college  he  entered  East  Windsor  Theo- 
logical Institute  in  Connecticut  in  1834,  three  years 
later  finishing  his  studies.  This  institution,  now  the 
Hartford  Theological  Seminary,  had  then  recently  been 
established  in  defense  of  what  its  founders  believed 
to  be  the  old  Pauline  doctrines  of  the  Bible,  and  was 
under  Dr.  Bennet  Tyler,  the  great  defender  of  what 
was  then  called  Tylerism  as  against  Taylorisra,  the 
latter  being  defended  by  Dr.  Nathaniel  Taylor,  of  the 
New  Haven  Theological  Seminary.  For  these  doc- 
trines and  this  institution  he  ever  retained  the  warmest 
affection.    When  in  1868  his  son  determined  to  enter 


'^L 


BIBTII,  ANCESTRY,  AND  EARLY  LIFE.      29 


the  ministry,  the  father  turned  immediately  to  the 
same  institution  as  by  far  the  best.  Dr.  Paella  was  in 
its  second  graduating  class. 

Early  in  his  studies  he  thought  of  the  heathen 
world.  One  night  while  walking  ,  in  his  father's 
orchard,  he  said  to  himself:  ''If  I  get  an  education 
and  become  a  missionary,  very  likely  I  shall  experi- 
ence trials  greater  than  I  have  any  conception  of  now." 

Through  the  consecration  of  Samuel  J.  Mills  and 
a  few  likeminded  persons,  about  1808,  a  Society  of 
Inquh'y  on  Missions  had  been  formed  at  the  college. 
It  was  called  the  Mills  Society.  It  was  composed  of 
those  who  intended  becoming  home  or  foreign  mission- 
aries if  Providence  permitted.  Mr.  Eells  became  a 
member.  During  his  last  year  in  college  the  question 
came  to  him:  "Which  —  home  or  foreign  mission- 
ary?" In  the  spring  vacation  of  1834  Rev.  George 
Champion  and  his  intended  wife,  who  were  under 
appointment  to  the  Zulu  Mission  in  Africa,  were  at 
Williamstown.  He  was  invited  to  meet  them.  Then 
the  sister  of  his  very  intimate  friend  and  roommate, 
Rev.  Elnathan  Davis,  of  Holden,  Mass.,  —  the  native 
place  of  Mrs.  Eells,  —  was  engaged  to  be  married  to 
Rev.  Aldin  Grout,  who  went  to  the  same  place. ^ 

'  Among  the  very  interesting  items  of  Dr.  Eells'  trip  to  New  England 
in  1883-t,  was  a  meeting  witli  tiiat  family  in  Springfield,  Massachusetts, 
Mr.  Grout,  who  was  about  eight  years  oldQr  than  Dr.  Eells,  bein^  thea 
0uperannuate(). 


I     .1 

}  7 

'  1 

1 

1 

l! 

. 

1 

1 
1 

i' 

i. 

1 

i 
1 

j 

1 

•1     ii 

; 

i! 
1 

[ 

ll 

!i 

J 

( 

1 

1 

i 

r 


si 


30 


FATIIEli   EKLLS. 


These  events  called  his  attention  to  Africa,  and  in 
1836  he  offered  himself  to  the  American  lioard  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  and  was  appointed 
to  the  Zulu  Mission.  His  father  could  not  acquiesce 
in  this  decision  and  never  became  fully  reconciled  to 
it.  He  left  New  England  for  Ohio  two  years  before 
the  son  left  Massachusetts. 

Gushing  Eells  was  licensed  to  preach,  December  14, 
1836,  and  was  ordained  at  Blandford,  Mass.,  October 
25,  1837,  as  a  Congregational  missionary  to  Africa. 
Judge  R.  P.  Boise,  in  an  address  before  the  Pioneer 
Society  of  Oregon  in  1876,  in  describing  his  arrival 
in  Oregon  in  1850,  says :  "  Learning  that  Rev.  Cush- 
ing  Eells,  who  was  from  my  native  town  in  Massachu- 
setts, was  living  at  Forest  Grove,  about  twenty-five 
miles  from  St.  Helens,  and  that  I  could  reach  him  bv 
leaving  our  craft  and  taking  a  new  road  across  the 
mountains  to  the  Tualatin  plains,  I  bade  adieu  to  my 
companions  on  the  river  voyage  and  started  on  foot 
for  Forest  Grove,  where  I  arrived  in  two  days  without 
particular  adventure.  I  found  Mr.  Eells  living  in  a 
comfortable  log  house  near  where  now  stands  Pacific 
University.  I  knew  him,  though  he  did  not  know  me, 
for  I  was  a  boy  when  he  left  our  native  place  on  his 
mission  to  the  Indians  in  Oregon.  I  had  seen  him 
ordained  for  his  holy  office,  and  remember  now  as 
though   it  were  yesterday  of  seeing  Dr.  Davis   and 


BIRTH,  ANCESTRY,  AND  EARLY  LIFE.      31 

otluT  divines  lay  their  IuuuIh  upon  his  head,  in  the  old 
climch  at  Bhindford,  and  consecrate  him  to  God  and 
the  Church ;  and  of  the  singing  on  that  occasion  of 
that  grand  old  missionary  hymn  :  — 

*•  Go,  nicsHcnf^tT  of  pence  and  love, 
To  people  plunj^ed  in  slmdes  of  night; 
Lilie  angels  sent  from  fields  above, 
Be  thine  to  shed  celestial  light." 

While  Mr.  Eells  was  pursuing  his  studies  he 
taught  school  during  one  of  his  vacations  in  Holden, 
Mass.  He  there  became  acquainted  with  Miss  Myra 
Fairbank.  The  acquaintance  increased  to  friendship  ; 
the  friendship  to  affection ;  the  affection  to  marriage 
—  to  a  happy  married  life  of  over  forty  years.  She 
was  the  daughter  of  Deacon  Joshua  and  Mrs.  Sally 
H.  Fairbank,  of  Holden,  Mass.,  where  she  was  born 
May  26,  1805.  Her  father  was  deacon  in  the  Congre- 
gational church  from  1818  until  his  death,  in  1838,  at 
the  age  of  fifty-eight. 

Myra  was  the  oldest  of  eight  children.  It  is  said 
that  both  on  her  mother's  and  father's  side  she  was  a 
pure  Yankee.  She  made  a  profession  of  religion 
when  thirteen,  uniting  with  the  Congregational  church 
at  her  native  place,  and  at  seventy  said  that  she  had 
never  been  sorrv  that  she  had  besrun  to  serve  the 
Saviour  when  so  young.  She  received  her  education 
at  a  ladies'  seminary  at  Wethersfield,  Conn.     Before 


^r^ 


i  til 


32 


FATHER   KELLS. 


liur  injirria<j;i!  when  hIic  wji8  asked  by  Mr.  Eells  if  she 
would  hv.  willinj^  to  l)ecoine  ti  iniHsioiiiiry,  she  replied : 
*'  1  doubt  whether  you  could  iiave  asked  any  one  who 
would  have  been  more  willinjjj."  In  a  copy-book  of 
hers,  written  at  Wethersfield  in*  1835,  are  two  selected 
poems  on  missionary  work  one  of  which  begins :  — 

1  go,  my  friend,  where  hcuthcn  dwell; 

Then  if  on  earth  we  meet  no  more, 
Aceept  this  cordial,  short  fare\v(!ll, 

Till  wu  shall  meet  on  Cuuuun's  shore. 

The  Holden  book  of  records  contains  the  following 
simple  item  :  — 

"March  5,  1838.  Rev.  Cushing  Eells,  of  East 
Windsor,  Conn.,  and  Myra  Fairbank  were  married  by 
William  P.  Paine." 


CHAPTER   II. 


CROSSING   TIIK   CONTINENT. 


1838. 


A  ^THOUGH  Mr.  Eells  and  Miss  Fairbank  were 
-^-^  appointed  as  niissionaries  to  Soiitlieastern 
Africa,  Providence  had  a  different  wori\  for  tiieni. 
When  Mr.  P^ells  graduated  from  tiie  seminary  two 
powerfnl  cliiefs  of  the  Zulus,  Dingaun  and  Mosilikatzi, 
were  at  war  with  each  other,  and  it  was  not  tliought 
advisa))le  to  send  out  a  reinforcement  tlien  ;  so  his 
voyajTc  was  delayed.  The  next  winter  was  spent  in 
teaching  school,  an  employment  in  which  he  had  spent 
most  of  his  vacations. 

Tiie  information  gained  by  the  Oregon  Indians  from 
the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  and  otlier  traders  and 
trappers,  early  in  the  present  century,  led  them  to 
send  four  or  five  Nez  Perces  to  St.  Louis,  in  1832,  to 
secui-e  religious  teachers.  Their  call  was  made  pub- 
lic, as  that  of  ''  wise  men  of  the  west,"  early  in  1833, 
and  in  1834  Rev.  Jason  Lee,  with  his  nephew  Rev. 
Daniel  Lee  and  two  laymen,  Cyrus  Shepherd  and 
P.  L.  Edwards,  crossed  the  continent  under  the  au- 
spices  of   the  Missionary   Society   of    the   Methodist 

33 


T 


I       liii 


111 


6|!i 


i 


:'ni '  ! 


I 


34 


FATHER  EELL8. 


Episcopal  Church,  and  began  work  in  the  Willamette 
valley. 

About  the  beginning  of  the  same  year  Rev.  Samuel 
Parker,  of  Ithaca,  offered  himself  to  the  American 
Board  to  go  to  Oregon  to  explore  and  report.  So 
much  time,  however,  was  occupied  in  consultation 
and  arrangements,  that  although  he  started  he  was 
too  late  to  accompany  the  Fur  Company's  caravan 
that  year,  without  whose  protection  it  was  useless  to 
proceed.  Therefore  he  returned  home,  and  spent  the 
next  winter  in  interesting  the  churches  of  Central 
and  "Western  New  York  in  the  work.  He  then  found 
Dr.  Marcus  Whitman  and  Miss  Narcissa  Prentiss. 
Both  offered  themselves  for  the  work.  The  next 
spring,  with  Dr.  Whitman,  he  started  across  the  con- 
tinent to  explore  Oregon.  When  they  reached  the 
American  Rendezvous,  on  Green  River,  a  branch  of 
the  Colorado,  where  traders,  trappers,  travelers,  and 
Indians  assembled  for  their  annual  exchange  of  furs 
and  articles  of  civilized  manufacture,  so  much  was 
learned  from  the  Nez  Perces  and  other  Oregon 
Indians  especially,  that  it  seemed  plain  to  Mr.  Parker 
and  Dr.  Whitman  that  there  was  a  clear  call  for  mis- 
sionary work,  and  that  it  was  much  better  to  give  up 
the  plan  of  both  proceeding  to  Oregon  and  then 
returning  for  assistance.  A  year  would  be  saved  if 
Dr.    Whitman    should    return    from   that  place   and 


m 


CROSSING   THE   CONTINENT. 


36 


lUamette 

,  Samuel 
Lraerican 
ort.     So 
saltation 
he  was 
caravan 
seless  to 
spent  the 
Central 
en  found 
Prentiss, 
"•he    next 
the  cou- 
ched the 
)  ranch  of 
ers,  and 
of  furs 
luch  was 
Oregon 
•.  Parker 
for  mis- 
give up 
md  then 
saved  if 
lace   and 


-J* 


secure  help,  while  Mr.  Parker  could  go  on  and  make 
explonitious.  This  plan  was  accordingly  adopted. 
Mr.  Parker  did  the  proposed  work  and  returned  home 
by  the  Sandwich  I,:«lands  and  Cape  Horn.  Dr.  Whit- 
man returned,  married  Miss  Prentiss,  and  secured 
Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding  and  wife  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Gray 
as  helpers.  They  crossed  the  continent  in  1836,  the 
two  ladies  being  the  first  white  women  who  ever  had 
done  so.  Dr.  Whitman  settled  at  Waiilatpu,  in  the 
Walla  Walla  valley,  now  known  as  the  Whitman  mis- 
sion. Mr.  Spalding  chose  Lapwai  among  the  Nez 
Perces  as  his  home,  while  Mr.  Gray  assisted  in  both 
places.  That  winter  the  call  for  more  laborers  proved 
so  urgent  that  Mr.  Grav  returned  east  in  1837  for 
the  needed  assistaijce.  When  he  presented  the  case 
before  the  Miesionarv  Board,  thev  asked  Mr.  Eelh  if 
he  were  willing  to  change  his  destination.  ITe  and 
his  betrothed  consented  and  their  whole  future  was 
changed.  The  issue  proved  the  wisdom  of  the 
change,  for  God  makes  no  mistakes. 

Rev.  Elkanah  Walker,  of  North  Yarmouth,  Maine, 
with  Miss  Mary  Richardson,  to  whom  he  was  engaged, 
had  also  been  appointed  to  Africa,  but  they,  too,  con- 
sented to  engage  in  the  Oregon  work.  Rev.  A.  B. 
Smith,  of  Connecticut,  and  his  wife  were  also  secured. 
Mr.  Gray  made  Miss  Mary  A.  Dix,  of  Champlain, 
N.  Y.,   his   wife.     They   were   joined    at   Cincinnati 


.     !| 


'      *l 


36 


FATHER  EELL8. 


by  Mr.  Cornelius  Rogers,  a  young  man  who  went  as 
an  independent  misg^ionary,  but  after  his  arrival  in 
Oregon  was  appointed  an  assistant  missionary.  Thus 
the  missionary  band  for  that  year  was  complete. 

On  March  6,  the  day  after  their  marriage,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Eells  began  their  bridal  tour,  which  was  not  com- 
pleted for  more  than  a  year,  until  the  last  of  April, 
1839.  Then  they  were  ready  to  receive  callers  in 
their  own  home  or  log  huts  or  pens. 

The  account  of  this  journey  is  obtained  from  the 
journal  of  Mr: .  Eells  and  from  Dr.  Eells'  recollec- 
tions more  than  fifty  years  afterwards. 

Mrs.  Eells'  first  item  is  in  ref  ^re)  ^'  to  parting  at 
home :  — 

"March  5,  1838.  My  Aifectionate  Parents:  How- 
ever uninteresting  such  a  memorandum  may  be  to 
others,  it  may  sometime  give  you  satisfaction  to  read 
a  few  hasty  sketches  from  an  absent  and  far  distant 
daughter;  to  you,  therefore,  they  are  most  cheerfully 
devoted. 

March  G.  "  Left  home  and  all  who  are  near  and  dear 
oy  nature  and  affection  with  the  expectatior  >  never 
seeing  them  again  in  this  world."     [She    < '  \  '   lid.] 

From  the  Gth  until  th^  17th  the  time  wa.  snent 
in  visiting  and  traveling  to  New  York  city.  From 
Holden  to  Worcester  they  were  taken  in  the  snow 
on   runners,    and   from   Worcester   to   East  Windsor 


.*. 


CEOJSSiya  the  continent. 


37 


3  went  as 
arrival  in 
ry.  Thus 
ete. 

1,  Mr.  and 

3  not  com- 

of  April, 

callers   in 

I  from  the 
5'  recoUec- 

parting  at 

nts :  How- 
may  be  to 
on  to  read 
far  distant 
cheerfully 

ar  pnd  dear 
r.    y    never 


in  the  mud — a  very  different  method  from  tliat  in 
use  forty-five  years  later  when  Dr.  Eells  made  the 
same  trip  easily  in  the  cars. 

At  Hartford  they  met  Julia  Brace,  who  was  deaf, 
tluml),  and  blind,  and  yet  they  saw  her  place  a  needle 
on  her  tongue  and  the  thread  in  her  mouth,  and  in  a 
few  seconds  the  needle  was  threaded.  She  would  also 
distinguish  by  feeling  between  two  different  silk 
handkerchiefs  from  the  same  web,  so  near  alike  that 
other  persons  could  not  do  the  same  when  seeing 
them. 

At  New  York  they  met,  for  the  first  time,  Rev.  E. 
Walker  and  wife,  who  had  been  married  on  the  same 
day  as  themselves,  and  who  were  to  be  their  compan- 
ions and  associates  for  ten  years,  as  well  as  trusted 
friends  through  life.  On  the  Sabbath,  the  18th,  the 
two  couples  received  their  instructions  as  missionari  3S 
from  Secretary  Greene,  of  the  Board.,  at  the  Brick 
Presbyterian  Church  of  which  Gardiner  Spring,  d.d., 
was  pastor.  The  instructions  were  followed  by 
remarks  from  Dr.  Spring.  The  concluding  prayer 
was  made  by  vSecretary  Armstrong.  The  next  day, 
having  been  delayed,  Rev.  A.  B.  Smith  and  wife 
who  were  also  to  be  their  associates,  arrived. 

On   the  afternoon  of  the  20th  they  left   the  East, 

*'  after  receiving    the    advice   and   counsel   of   many 

! friends    in   New  York."    Mrs.    Eells  wrote:   "Mr, 


m 


I 


i 


i 


ill 


!;|ii 


38 


FATlIh'Jt   I'JI'JLLS, 


AniiKlronn:  comimMxU'd  hh  U>  (iod  sis  (mii*  only 
PioHervLT  :iiul  rroteclor,  prayinj^  that  our  livos 
iiiid  hoaltli  niijj;lit  Ik;  H|)jiriMl  Jiiitl  that  wo  nnsj;lit  ha 
abusidniitly  i)k'SHod  aiiionjjj  the  hoathcn  :iii(l  finally 
roceivo  the  wi'U'oiiu^  phiiidit  of  our  diviiu»  MMHttir, 
'  Well  done,  »>;ood  and  fnithful  servant,  enter  thou 
into  the  iov  of  thy  Lord.'  Mr.  W.  VV.  ('ln'Htcr, 
Mr.  S.  V.  S.  Wilder,  Mr.  Armstrong  and  others 
aecompanied  us  to  the  boat,  where  we  had  a  Holenni 
partinj^." 

Steanier.s  and  ears  took  them  rapidly  to  C'luunbers- 
in*g  in  rennsylvani;i,  where  Ihey  found  a  Ktn<j;e  to 
iMttsburg.  Thin  part  of  Ihe  journey,  whieh  oeeupied 
more  than  three  d:iys  and  ni«;htH,  was  tryin};.  The 
driver  had  promised  to  take  them  to  l'ittabur«j;  before 
the  Sabbath,  but  Saturday  night  found  them  Htill 
thirty  miles  from  the  plaee.  The  (|ue8tion  arose, 
Should  (hey  stop  or  j^o  on?  The  rejjjular  stajj^c  was 
full  and  went  on.  The  missionary  party  and  one 
other  jijentleman  with  l.is  wife  occupied  an  extra  stage. 
Its  driver  was  willing  to  abide  by  the  will  of  the 
majority.  If  they  should  stay,  it  would  cost  five 
dollars  a  couple ;  if  they  should  reach  Pittsburg, 
friends  would  care  for  them  gratis.  It  was  decided 
to  stop.  This  very  much  ofteuded  the  gentleman  and 
wife,  although  they  said  they  were  Christians  and 
were  going  AVest  to  do  good.     To  appease  him   the 


i 
I 


(JHO:^filIN(i    TIII'J   CONTIXKNT. 


39 


missioiiiU'icH  pnld  li'iH  hotel  hill.  On  Momhiy  they 
overtook  (he  re<i;ul!ir  Htji^i;,  whi(!h  luid  hrokeii  down, 
mid   they  renched    PittHhur<r  lirHt. 

At  CinciniKiti  tJie  ({iKi.stlon  of  tnivcihiif;  on  the 
S:d>l>sith,  while  (n-oHsin}^  tiie  continent,  cunu!  seriouKly 
heforc!  them.  The  ii(lvi(!e  of  Dr.  Lynum  IJeiicher  wmh 
nsked.  He  HJiid  snhHtjintially  that  if  Ik;  w(m-<!  in  a 
.ship  on  the  oee.'in  when  Ssiturday  nij^ht  should  come, 
lii^  whould  n(»t  jump  into  the  sesi. 

'riioii^^h  tliey  were  ol)li<^(Ml  to  tr.'ivc;!  with  the  Fnr 
('oMipany  on  the  Sjihhath  until  they  re5i(;h(!(l  the  Rocky 
MountMiuH,  it  (^au.sed  Mrs.  Kells  many  sorrowful 
Ihouuhts.  "^^he  could  not  sec;  how  it  was  right  to 
liicak  one  of  iiod's  commandnKUits  in  order  to  fuUllI 
iinother. 

At  the  same  place  Mr.  Kcills  saw  an  article  which 
lic!  had  never  seen  Ixiforc  and  of  the  use  of  which  he 
iiiid  no  idea.  He  stoi)ped  and  hjoked  at  it  but  asked 
no  (piestions.  At  Indei)endence  a  pile  of  these 
aiticles  for  the  missionary  party  greeted  him.  It 
('(MKsiMted  of  pack-saddles,  to  which  he  became  as 
nuich  accustomed  during  the  next  twelve  years  as  he 
had  Ix'cn  to  the  (J reek  language. 

In  Missouri  th(!V  saw  more  of  slavery  than  ever 
Ijcfore.     Mrs.   Kells  wrote:  — 

"Our  chambermaid  is  a  slave.  She  is  owned  by 
the  captain  of  the   boat.     She   can  neither   read  nor 


.r^i^ 


■:'4    i 


-r^ 


r>^f 


I!    I 


!li! 


40 


FATUEn   hi: U.S. 


w'ito.     Sho    H'.WH   tluii   lior  m.'iHtiM'  tri'jils  licr  kiiully. 

•  ft 

Wo  S!iw  nolliinjj;  to  <lu'  conlrniT.  Sco  iiumy  poor 
.slaves  iiloiig  llio  l)!Uil\H  of  (In*  river,  vvlio  to  luiinsiii 
.•ippoaiMiurs  .'uv  (U'gr.'ukMl  bovond  diNscription." 

T\w  next  (lay  slio  again  rsroto  :  — 

"  To-dav  I  liavo  liad  mv  foolings  inovod  almoHt 
1o  iiidiii^natioii  on  accoimi  of  llio  wrotcluMhicHS  of 
slavery.      I   bolievo  that  it  is  a  curso  to  tlio  owiior  an 

ft.' 

\\iA\  as  to  (ho  slave.  Our  hearts  are  made  to  Me(Ml  for 
Ihc  misery  of  the  jjoor  slave.  Oh,  when  will  slavery 
come  to  an  end  !  " 

lietween  St.  Louis  and  Independenoe  they  had  .'in 
opportunity  to  see  log  houses  with  chinnieys  on  the 
outside,  which  then  seemed  very  strange,  but  to 
which   in  after    vears  thev  became  even  more  accus- 

ft  ft 

tomed  than  they  did  to  pack-saddles,  for  they  lived  in 
such  for  vears. 

ft 

At  Independence  thev  met  Mr.  Crav  and  his  wife. 

i.  ft^  ft' 

The  })and  now  consisted  of  five  men  and  four  women. 
Here  they  began  their  horseback  riding,  and  at 
Westport,  twelve  miles  farther  west,  they  found  the 
American  Fur  Company,  their  escort  to  the  Rocky 
Mou!itains.  J\Irs.  Kells'  first  introduction  to  this  mode 
of  travel  was  after  dark  on  a  horse  which  a  woman 
had  never  before  ridden. 

Packing  now  began.  It  was  not  easy  to  put  the 
pack-saddles  on  Spanish  mules,  which  were  not  very 


m 


CROSSIXa    TIIIC   CONTIMKHT. 


41 


l.'iim'.  TluMi  followed  putting  on  ilio  loadH.  'I'licro 
were*  ci^iil  IninkH,  iMMldiii^,  IciiIh,  tcni  poIcM,  food, 
MM'dicincH,  Miid  mII  tiio  ]>iii'.'ipii(>niMli,'i  of  folic  yoiiiitr 
fjiiiiilicH  alH)id;  to  Hl.sirt  on  m,  l.'iiid  joiirn(!y  of  niiuiiium 
limulnMl    iiiih'H    to    mii    nnkiiowii    home.     Says    Mr. 

lu'llH  :  — 

"At  tiio  ('omnuMir(!inont  the  lji))oriiig  oar  wjih 
ciiipliMticidly  with  Mr.  (Irjiy.  Tlirec.  iiovic<iS  with 
wiHin^z;  hearts  offered  ready  liaiidH,  but  tlnsir  awkward 
doiu<2;H  were  not  invariably  and  entinily  lielpful. 
Slowly  the  loadu  of  the  pack  animals,  the  one?  small 
waf2;on,  and  riding  animals  were  ])la(Mid  in  position. 
There  was  a  forward  movement  in  the  direction  of 
Westport.  'V\\v.  caravan  had  not  gom;  far  l)efore 
there  was  a,  deranujement  of  packs.  The  unwelcome 
disclosure  was  mxwW  that  the  horsi!  attached  to  the 
wa<]jon  was  uin'eliable.  This  load  imist  be  improved, 
that  modilied.  'I'he  call  was  for  Mr.  Ciray  here,  Mr. 
Clray  there,  Mr.  (iray  everywhere. 

'^  In  an  attemi)t  to  ascend  a  hill  the  wagon-horse 
refused  to  ])ull.  With  all  my  might  I  lifted  at  the 
rear  end  of  the  wagon.  This  was  oft  repeated.  The 
disobedient  animal  was  stubborn,  and  the  vehicle  was 
thereby  demoralized.  My  strength  was  exhausted. 
The  next  day  another  horse  and  wagon  were  procured 
at  Westport." 

Mr.  Walker  gave  out  at  an  early  date.     As  he  lay 


m 


si 


I  .'> 


:^^  tli( 


-rr 


42 


FATIIKIi  KKLL8. 


M 


on  llu>  i:;r()uiul  ho  Hsiid  to  ISIr.  KoUh  :  "  You  inuHt  have 
luort'  help  or  you  won't  hMvo  nie."  Ac'fordinjjjly  u 
l:\r«»:o,  Htronu;  insm,  naniod  Slcvcn.s,  was  omployi'd  as 
packer.  Ho  sorvocl  until  tlio  party  roacluMl  WaUa 
Walla.  Tiiov  also  hirod  another  man  as  hunter, 
whose  name  was  Klehartlson. 

As  INIrs.  Kells  realized  more  and  more  thnt  she  was 
p:ettin<2j  far  away  from  home,  new  thouij;hts  would 
come  into  her  mind.     She  recorded  the  followinji; :  — 

"  I  enn  hardly  suppress  my  feelin«;s  when  I  think 
of  the  many  precious  seasons  spent  at  my  own  happy 
home.  I  now  realize  some  of  the  privileges  I  once 
enjoyed  ;  but  I  am  happy  in  the  choice  1  have  nuxdo 
in  relation  to  spending  the  remainder  of  my  days 
among  t!ie  heathen.  1  love  to  feel  that  I  am  making 
a  little  sacritlce,  if  such  it  may  be  called,  for  the 
cause  of  Christ.  If  I  am  the  means  of  bringing  but 
one  soul  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  I  shall  bo  abun- 
dantly paid  for  all  my  privations.   .  .   . 

''  Westport,  Sabbath,  April  22.  How  unlike  the 
Sabbaths  at  home !  Hold  a  short  season  of  prayer ; 
go  to  church.  A  INIethodist  missionary  among  the 
Kansas  Indians  preached  in  the  morning.  Feel  it  a 
privilege  to  tind  a  few  Christian  brethren  and  an 
untinished  log  church  here  in  this  part  of  the  country. 
Mr.  F.ells  preached  in  tlie  afternoon.  The  truth  is 
the  same  here  as  in  a  civilized  land.     This  is  probably 


CUOSSINQ    Till':   (CONTINENT, 


43 


till'  last  S:il)l>!itli  tliiH  wide  of  the  iiiountiiiuM  whore  wo 
('.III  have  piihlic  vvoiHliip.  Am  I  propiirod  to  live 
without  the  onlinjiiurcK  of  the  j^ospt'l?" 

Ah  tho  I^'iir  Coinpjuiy  Htartod  from  that  place  on  that 
(l;iv,  tlie  missions rv  party  preferred  to  remain  and 
start  tlie  next  day,  Monday.  They  did  not  overtake 
the  company  until  the  next  Saturday  night. 

Dr.  Cliute,  a  miswionary  re.siding  tliere,  aecrompa- 
iiied  them  until  May  2.  He  wan  i  good  man,  and 
aj)parently  went  out  of  sineere  friendHJiip.  lie  waH 
of  e.sscntial  service  during  tliat  first  part  of  the 
journey.  When  he  k;ft  tiiem  they  bought  his  horse 
to  taiie  the  phice  in  part  of  some  whicli  were  stolen 
(hning  the  first  week  by  the  Indians.  When  asked 
liow  lie  would  get  home  to  Wc8ti)ort,  he  said  :  "  1  can 
dig  out  a  canoe." 

Extracts  from  INlrs.  VaAW  diary  arc  as  follows:  — 


a  s 


2Gth.      1  am  too  tired  to  help  get  or  eat  supper. 
'*  27th.     Last    night    we    were    disturbed    by    the 


pi 


owliiiiT  wolves,  and  we  iniairined   Indians.     To-d: 


ly 


we  have  suflicient  proof  of  it.  Three  of  our  best 
horses  are  not  to  be  found." 

Tiiey  hunted  for  them  a  good  share  of  the  day  but 
could  not  find  them.  They  afterwards  heard  from 
them,  with  some  Indians  on  them. 

On  the  28tli  they  overtook  the  company  at  the  Kan- 
sas River.     Says  Mrs.  liells :  — - 


'Vi  , 


:,!-!T 


■i   '9   i 


Hi! 


■\  V 


44 


FATHER  I'JELLS. 


*'  Almost  as  soon  as  our  tents  were  pitched  Captain 
Drips  and  Stevens  called  on  us  and  had  a  social 
talk.  The  former  had  command  of  the  caravan,  and 
the  latter  was  an  Enj^lish  gentleman  traveling  for 
pleasure.  We  gave  them  some  biscuit  and  cheese. 
They  appeared  pleasant,  though  they  said  we  had 
better  travel  by  ourselves,  either  before  or  behind 
camp,  as  they  should  keep  their  animals  guarded 
nights,  and  it  might  not  be  convenient  for  our  men 
to  stand  guard.  Mr.  Gray  told  them  that  his  men 
expected  to  stand  guard.  They  seemed  to  think  each 
company  had  better  take  care  of  their  own  horses. 
This  gives  us  to  understand  that  they  do  not  want  us 
to  travel  with  them.  However,  Mr.  Gray  did  not 
mean  to  take  the  hint,  as  he  knew  it  would  not  be 
safe  for  us  to  travel  alone ;  and  he  insisted  on  a  due 
proportion  of  the  guarding  being  assigned  to  us. 

"  Indians  are  on  every  side  of  us.  They  come 
around  our  tent  to  watch  us  like  great  dogs.  Our  dog 
grabbed  one  who  was  nearly  naked.  Mr.  Eells  called 
him  ofif,  whipped  him,  and  then  tied  him. 

*'  Will  God  give  me  grace,  wisdom,  knowledge,  and 
strength  equal  to  my  day ;  make  me  useful  in  life, 
happy  in  death  and  in  eternity?  Mr.  P^ells  is  so  tired 
that  he  says  a  bed  of  stones  would  feel  soft." 

The  American  Fur  Company  had  its  headquarters  at 
St.  Louis  and  sent  a  caravan  to  the  Rocky  Mountains 


cnossimi  the  continent. 


45 


every  year  to  gather  the  furs  obtained  by  their 
trapi)ers  and  to  buy  others  from  free  trappers  and 
Indians.  This  was  as  far  as  they  were  allowed  to  go, 
the  Hudson's  l^ay  Company  having  complete  control 
of  the  fur  trade  west  of  those  mountains.  To  pay 
for  these  furs,  the  company  carried  out  goods  vrhich 
consisted  principally  of  blankets,  garments,  whiskey, 
and  tobacco.  This  year  they  had  about  two  hundred 
horses  and  mules  and  seventeen  carts,  each  drawn  by 
two  mules  tandem,  except  the  cart  of  Captain  Drips, 
the  commander,  which  was  drawn  by  three  mules. 
Captain  Stewart  had  a  six-mule  wagon.  The  mission- 
aries had  twenty-two  horses  and  mules,  and  for  a  time 
one  wagon.  This  was  taken  so  that  for  the  first  part 
of  the  way  the  ladies  might  ride  in  it  at  times,  and 
rest  from  horseback  riding  until  thoroughly  accus- 
tomed to  it.  In  the  whole  procession  were  about 
sixty  men.  The  wagons  were  all  covered  with  dark 
oilcloth. 

During  the  night  five  men  were  on  guard  and  five 
were  on  guard  during  the  day.  To  make  it  easy,  the 
night  guard  changed  three  times  in  the  night,  which 
gave  about  two  hours  and  a  half  to  each  man,  and 
each  man  was  on  guard  every  fourth  n'ght  and  one  day 
in  every  twelve.  At  night  the  wagons  were  arranged 
in  a  circle  into  which  all  the  horses  and  mules  were 
brought  and  picketed.     At  half -past  three  they  were 


'( 

1 

1 

'D 

1 

*   ;, 

1 

H  -'^ 

1^' 

!  * 


^■^■i^^i'  ill 


4C 


FATllin:   KKLI.S. 


f    i 


lot  looKO  to  food  ontHidi'  tho  circh*  until  six,  when  lln\v 
wiMV  ImniosMcd  mikI  pju'luMl  (or  (rMvclinjr.  Tins  tooU 
Ii.'iir  or  Ihri'i'  (|n:irltMs  of  :in  li<Mn'.  Kvorv  man  had 
to  know  Mnd  do  his  own  work.  Mr.  Walker  had  ono 
liorsc  for  hin»st>lf  and  oiu*  for  his  wife  to  ride,  and  ono 
to  pack.  Mr.  Hojjjims  had  lhri'i>,  one  (o  ride  and  two 
to  pack.  Mr.  (Iray  had  (Invo,  tw»)  for  ridin*;  and  ono 
for  the  w:ij;on  of  whicli  lie  had  ciiar^c.  Mr.  Stevens, 
the  packer,  liad  ft)nr,  one  for  ridinu;  and  tlu'ee  for 
packinu;,  and  Mr.  Ki'ils  four,  two  for  ridinj;"  and  two 
for  i)acking.  These  tiiev  were  to  catch,  niorninj;',  noon, 
an»l  night.  Hefore  start  in*:;  every  man  i)ut  on  his  belt, 
I)owder  llask,  knife,  and  the  like,  and  took  his  irnn 
on  his  horse  before  him.  This  done,  thev  rode  from 
three  to  six  hours.  Once  thev  rode  nine  hours  without 
stoppin*:.     'I'he    wafz;ons    moved    tlrst,   then  pack 

animals  aiul  cattle,  the  missionaries  taking  t.vclve  of 
the  latter.  The  ladies  rode  sometimes  behind  all  and 
sometimes  between  the  wagons  and  pack  aninials. 
Messrs.  Walker  and  Smith  drove  the  cattle  ;  Messrs. 
Stevens,  Rogers,  and  Fells  the  mules,  and  Mr.  Gray 
the  wagon.     Mrs.  F.ells  wrote  :  — 

''  We  generally  stop  about  two  iiours  at  noon,  turn 
out  the  animals,  get  our  dinners  and  eat ;  then  we 
wash  the  dishes  again,  the  men  catch  the  animals  and 
pack  them.  We  mount  our  horses  and  are  riding  over 
rolling  prairies,  over  high  blulVs,  through  deep  ravines 


CROssi^/tf  Till':  coyriSKST. 


47 


nnd  rivoi'H,  hut  tliroii<j:h  no  woodn.  At  i»i}:;ljt,  wlien 
our  lUiiiiiiilH  uro  unpncktMl,  the  (rciitlcincn  |)it<'li  our 
touts.  Wt'  Hpivml  our  ImiITmIo  skins  (Irst,  uiid  tluMi 
:i  \)'\\.\vx\  of  oilcloth  for  oiu*  (l(M)r.  Then  W(^  in'jitly 
jirnmi^o  our  HiuldleH  jind  otiior  looso  buf^^ufjjo  iiround 
the  inside  of  our  hoUHe.  For  our  chairs  we  fold  our 
Mtinkets  jind  lay  them  around,  leavinj^  a  circle  in  the 
center  upon  wiiich  we  spread  a  tablecloth  when  we 
eat.  In  the  morning  we  get  up  at  half-past  three, 
turn  the  aninuils  out  to  cat ;  tlien  we  get  our  breakfast, 
eat,  and  have  worahip.  After  this  we  wash  and  pack 
our  dishes,  our  husbands  catch  the  animals,  saddle 
the  liorses,  and  pack  the  nudes.  When  we  are  fairly 
on  our  way  wc  have  muc'i  the  appearance  of  a  Uirge 
funeral  procession,  I  suppose  the  company  reacihes 
half  a  mile." 

As  the  horses  an<l  mules  were  gathered,  preparatory 
to  being  driven  into  the  Kansas  Hiver  to  swim  across, 
the  order  came  :  "  Tie  up  the  trail  ropes."  Mr.  Kells 
obeyed.  Ignorantly  lie  wound  the  roi)c  around  the 
neck  of  his  wife's  riding  animal,  which  was  rather 
treacherous.  When  it  lauded  on  the  opposite  side  it 
realized  its  liberty  and  refused  to  be  caught.  After 
fruitless  attempts  to  catch  it,  as  a  last  resort  applica- 
tion was  made  to  the  hunter  for  help.  He  proposed 
the  plan  of  *'  nicking"  it,  that  is,  of  shooting  a  rifle 
ball  through  the  upper  part  of   the   neck  in   such  a 


I  ' 


Kit 


'*,  'I 


nnr 


! 


\^. 


II 


Is 


*i 


I     t 


48 


VATIIKll  EELLS. 


niaiTiRer  as  to  stun  and  drop  tlie  animal  fot  a  feviT 
minutes  but  not  to  injure  it.  When  the  two  nowever 
found  tlie  animal,  which  bv  that  time  had  gone  out  of 
siglit  and  quite  a  distance  from., the  rest,  to  their  sur- 
prise it  was  quite  willing  to  be  caught.  The  rope  had 
becfune  so  tight  around  the  neck  as  to  tame  it.  The 
unski^lfil  manner  'u  which  it  had  been  wound  around 
had  ti.rned  to  good  account,  and  Mr.  Eells  felt  that 
*'  the  lot  was  cast  into  the  lap  ;  but  the  whole  disposing 
thereof  is  of  the  Lord  "  ;  for  the  loss  of  that  animal 
at  that  time  would  liave  been  very  embarrassing. 

Mr.  Gray  had  estimated  that  four  hundred  miles 
would  bring  them  to  the  buffalo  country,  and  food, 
especially  flour,  was  taken  accordingly  ;  ])ut  the  buffalo 
were  not  found  as  expected  and  the  rations  became 
short,  so  short  that  when  tli(>y  were  found  not  much 
food  was  left,  only  flour  enough  for  gravy.  It  was 
buffalo,  buffalo,  buffalo  all  the  time.  The  sudden 
(!hange  to  green  buffalo  meat,  morning,  luon,  and 
night,  did  not,  however,  agree  with  Mr.  P>lls.  It 
soon  sickened  him.  When  he  was  at  East  W.  .Isor 
planning  for  the  journey,  his  kind  pupils  had  said : 
"  Novf  what  can  we  do  for  you?"  He  replied: 
'*  Please  make  two  rich  cakes,  so  rich  and  nice  that  I 
can  put  them  in  ray  trunk  and  carry  them  across  the 
continent  and  keep  them  until  I  shall  need  them." 
This  was  done.     When  he  was  suffering  from  so  much 


CBOSSING    THE  CONTINENT. 


49 


buffalo  meat  he  would  dissolve  a  little  of  that  cake 
in  water  and  drink  it.  Tliis  was  the  only  food  for 
which  he  had  any  relish  for  a  long  time.  For  this  he 
was  more  grateful  than  words  could  express,  and  with 
unwonted  emotion  he  wrote  :  "  God  bless  those  young 
persons  who  prepared  those  cakes." 

The  party  had  tin  plates  for  eating  purposes,  but 
some  had  small  earthen  cups  for  drinking.  When 
Mr.  Ermatinger,  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company,  saw 
these  during  the  latter  part  of  the  journey,  he  said : 
"  Take  away  your  little  earthen  cups.  They  gave 
me  one  of  the  little  tilings  and  I  swallowed  it  right 
down  with  its  contents."  He  wanted  a  tin  cup  that 
would  hold  several  times  as  much  as  the  earthen  ones. 

There  was  a  fright  or  two  from  Indians  ;  that  is, 
Indians  were  discovered,  and  everybody  was  required 
.to  have  their  rifles  ready.  Mr.  P^ells  never  loaded  his, 
though  it  was  loaded  once  or  twice  for  him  by  others. 
There  were  no  encounters,  however,  nor  serious 
trouble  with  them. 

Mrs.  Eells'  journal  says  :  — 

''  May  9.  All  is  hubbub  and  confusion.  Camp 
wants  to  move  early ;  horses  bad  to  catch ;  dishes 
not  packed  in  season.  Oh,  how  much  patience  one 
needs  to  sustain  him  in  th :s  life ! 

"  May  12.  It  rains  so  hard  that  notwithstanding 
we  have  a  good  fire  we  cannot  dry  our  clothes  at  all. 


;  ■■  :it^ 


i  tl 


;ii;'i| 


m 

! 

f        1 

1    ■ 

t     • 

1 


60 


FATHEB  EELL8. 


Obliged  to  sleep  in  our  blankets  wet  as  when  taken 
from  our  horses.  Our  bed  and  bedding  consist  of  a 
buffalo  robe,  a  piece  of  oilcloth,  our  blankets  and 
saddles.  Our  tents  are  our  houses.  Our  sheets  are 
our  partitions  between  us  and  Mr.  Gray.  When  it 
rains  they  are  spread  over  the  tents. 

"  13th.  Sabbath.  Arise  this  morning,  put  on  our 
clothes  wet  as  when  we  took  them  off,  and  prepare 
for  a  long  ride.  I  am  so  strongly  reminded  of  bygone 
days  that  I  cannot  refrain  from  weeping. 

"21st.  Have  seen  dangers  on  every  side  of  us  — 
deep  ravines  to  go  through,  loose  horses  taking  fright 
so  as  to  put  us  in  danger  of  our  lives  if  they  come 
near  us. 

"  24th.  Mr.  Eclls  and  myself  hardly  able  to  sit  up, 
but  obliged  to  eat,  drink,  and  work  as  though  we  were 
well.     Think  it  is  trying.  * 

"  29th.  Husband  faint  and  v/eak,  in  consequence  of 
not  having  such  food  as  he  can  relish.  I  would  gladly 
exchange  appetites  with  him,  because  he  is  obliged  to 
work  so  hard.  It  is  true  that  nothing  but  the  restrain- 
ing grace  of  God  can  carry  us  through.  I  trust  we 
both  have  this  grace. 

"June  2.  liide  into  Fort  William.  It  is  a  large 
hewed-log  building  with  an  opening  in  the  center  and 
partitions  for  various  objects.  It  compares  very  well 
with  the  walls  of  the  Connecticut  state  prison.' 


u 


\ 


CBOSSINCf    THE  CONTINENT. 


61 


At  the  crossing  of  the  Nortli  F'ork  of  the  Platte  it 
was  necessary  to  make  boats  out  of  buflfalo  skins. 
The  hunters  brought  in  the  skins,  and  others  brought 
willows  and  made  a  kind  of  basket,  somewhat  like  a 
deep  boat,  and  then  they  were  turned  up  to  dry.  As 
it  was  raining  very  hard  it  took  some  time  for  them 
to  dry.  As  there  were  only  two  boats  it  took  (juitc  a 
while  to  put  everything  over,  for  all  the  carts  and 
Avagons  had  to  be  taken  to  pieces  and,  with  the  bag- 
gage, taken  across  in  them,  while  the  animals  swam 
over.  As  the  snow  was  on  the  surrounding  mountains, 
the  water  was  very  cold.  Mr.  Eells  was  not  lazy ;  he 
did  his  share  in  driving  the  cattle  in,  and  was  wet  up 
to  his  waist  for  a  long  time.  He  became  so  cold  that 
he  suffered  severely,  and  thought  that  if  he  should 
ever  feel  the  genial  warmth  of  the  sun  again,  he  would 
be  more  thankful  than  he  had  ever  been  before. 

It  rained  so  much  that  the  camp  was  flooded,  and 
they  were  obliged  to  pile  their  baggage  well  up  in 
their  tents  to  keep  it  fnjin  injury.  Mrs.  WalkcM-  was 
strong,  vigorous,  and  cheerful,  vith  a  pleasant  word 
for  almost  everybody  ;  but  this  wa.s  too  mut  h  for  her. 
She  went  into  her  tent,  climbed  on  top  of  a  ;'ilo  of 
goods,  sat  down  and  began  to  cry.  Mrs.  Smith  said 
to  her:  ''Why,  Mrs.  Walker,  what  is  the  matter?" 
The  reply  was:  "I  am  thinking  how  corafonable  my 
father's  hogs  are  | " 


:lt:ii!i 


1 


n 


;;.! 


0- 


Mi 
1  iai 


i 


11 


52 


FATHEB  EELL8, 


The  journal  continues  :  — 

"  13th.  Mrs.  Gray  and  myself  hold  a  short  season 
of  prayer  for  ourselves  and  husbands. 

"  15th.  We  crossed  the  Sweetwater.  I  rode  along 
tlie  bank,  saw  the  carts  cross,  and  thought  it  was 
about  three  feet  deep,  though  many  of  the  loose 
horses  were  swimming.  I  felt  a  little  afraid,  and  said 
to  Mr.  Gray,  '  We  will  stop  until  our  husbands  have 
taken  the  mules  across  and  return  for  us,'  as  Mr. 
Eells  had  gone  to  lead  the  way  for  the  pack  animals, 
and  the  other  gentlemen  to  drive  them.  M/.  Gray, 
the  last  after  the  mules,  said :  *  The  ladies  come 
directly  after  us.'  Mrs.  Gray  went  first  and  I  fol- 
lowed her.  My  horse  mired,  entering  the  river.  I 
somehow  managed  to  dismount  and  wade  through  the 
water  and  mud  on  to  the  bank  again,  but  saw  no  one 
comin":  to  my  assistance.  As  soon  as  I  could  I  went 
back  and  tried  to  help  my  horse  out,  but  he  struggled 
so  that  I  could  not  reach  his  bridle.  Then  Mr.  Smith 
came  to  my  help.  As  soon  as  we  were  both  out  I  saw 
Mr.  p]ells  and  mvself  covered  with  mud,  and  found 
my  strength  nearly  gone.  Mr.  Eells  asked  me  if  I 
was  hurt.  I  said  I  thought  only  frightened.  By  this 
time  the  company  were;  all  over  and  gone,  and  we 
must  not  stop.  Mr.  Eells  had  a  tin  cup  fastened  to 
his  belt,  and  he  rinsed  the  mud  off  my  cloak,  and  then 


set  me  on  my  horse  again  and  we  went  safely  across. 

k 

ill 

iilr 

/ 

CROSSING   THE  CONTINENT. 


53 


We  then  rode  four  and  a  half  hours  without  gutting 
off  our  horses.  By  this  time  the  upper  tide  of  my 
clothes  was  nearly  dry,  while  the  under  side  was  as 
wet  as  when  we  came  from  the  river.  At  noon  I 
changed  my  shoos  and  stockings,  dried  my  other 
clothes  on  me  as  well  as  I  could,  and  in  the  afternoon 
rode  three  and  a  half  hours  again.  This  to  me  was 
a  pretty  sorrowful  da}',  though  I  had  great  reason  to 
be  thankful  that  I  was  not  hurt ;  neither  did  1  take 
cold.  1 

*'  19th.  Mr.  Eells  and  myself  renewedly  conse- 
crate ourselves  to  the  God  of  missions." 

On  the  twenty-third  of  June  they  arrived  at  the 
American  Rendezvous,  and  there  thev  remained  for 
nearly  three  weeks. 

*'  24th.  Sabbath.  To-day  for  the  first  time  since 
we  left  Westport  we  have  a  Sabbath  of  rest.  Mr. 
Walker  preached  in  the  forenoon,  from  2  Peter  3:7. 
Mr.  Eells  preached  in  the  afternoon  from  Psalm 
66 :  13.  Trust  it  has  been  a  profitable  day  to  us. 
Hope  some  good  may  result  from  the  sermons.  Some 
eight  or  ten  men  came  from  the  company  to  attend 
worship." 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  spent  there,  but  with 
no  especial  appropriate  ceremonies.  Captain  Drips, 
Walker,  and   Robbies  took  dinner  with  them.     But 


m 


^  Sells'  Indian  Missions,  p.  86. 


i 
i 


il 


I ' 
h 


64 


FATHEIi  EELLS. 


ill 


, 


T  ■•? 


during  the  night  they  were  troubled  exceedingly  by 
drunken  white  men,  who  came  to  their  tent  .and  wanted 
to  settle  accounts  with  Mr.  Grav.  Mr.  Eells  talked 
with  them  as  best  he  could.  Mr.  Gray  stayed  inside 
and  loaded  a  gun,  and  Mrs.  P^elis  and  Mrs.  Gray,  who 
were  ])oth  in  tlie  same  tent,  made  preparations  for 
escape.  But  after  a  time  they  went  off,  and  there 
was  no  further  trouble  from  them.  Of  the  next  day 
she  says :  — 

''Captain  Bridger  came  in  about  ten  o'clock  with 
drums  and  firing,  an  apology  for  a  scalp  dance. 
After  they  had  given  Captain  Drips'  company  a 
salute,  fifteen  or  twenty  mountain  men  and  Indians 
came  to  our  tent  with  drumming,  firing,  and  dancing. 
If  I  might  make  the  comparison,  I  should  think  they 
looked  like  the  emissaries  of  the  devil,  worshiping  their 
own  master.  They  had  the  scalp  of  a  Blackfoot 
Indian,  which  they  carried  for  a  color,  all  rejoicing 
in  the  fate  of  the  Blackfeet  in  consequence  of  the 
smallpox.  The  dog,  being  frightened,  took  the  trail, 
crossed  the  river,  and  howled  so  that  we  knew  him 
and  called  him  back.  When  he  came  he  went  to  each 
tent  to  see  if  we  were  all  safe." 

On  the  following  day  she  again  says  :  — 
"  Last  night  twelve  white  men  came,  dressed  and 
painted   in   Indian  style,  and  gave  us  a  dance.     No 
pen  can  describe  the  horrible  scene  they  presented, 


( iii'i 


CBOssma  the  continent. 


55 


'  N  I 


I  could  not  imagine  tliat  wliite  men,  brought  up  in  a 
civilized  land,  can  appear  so  much  to  imitate  the 
devil." 

The  prices  of  things  at  that  place  were  given  as  fol- 
lows :  flour,  two  dollars  a  pound  ;  sugar,  coffee,  and 
tea,  a  dollar  a  pint ;  calico,  worth  in  the  States  twenty 
or' twenty-five  cents,  was  five  dollars  ;  a  shirt,  five  dol- 
lars ;  tobacco,  three  to  five  dollars  a  pound  ;  whiskey, 
thirty  dollars  a  gallon,  and  yet  on  some  days  nearly 
the  whole  camp  of  the  trading  companies  wae  unfit  for 
business  because  of  its  use. 

About  this  time  Mrs.  Eells  wrote  :  — 

"  There  is  much  more  danger  attending  the  journey 
than  we  supposed.  Since  we  left  the  States  we  have 
found  the  horseback  riding  in  imagination  and  in 
reality  two  different  things.  During  a  considera- 
ble part  of  our  journey  we  are  liable  to  be  met  by 
war  parties  of  wild  Indians,  and  if  we  are  not  suflfl- 
ciently  strong,  our  animals  may  be  taken  and  we  left 
to  wander  in  the  wilderness.  The  first  week  after 
we  left  Independence  three  of  our  best  horses  were 
stolen,  which  cost  us  two  hundred  dollars.  We  often 
speak  of  the  journey  as  going  to  sea  on  land.  I  be- 
lieve we  all  agree  that  no  pen  can  fully  paint  the  real- 
itv  of  it  so  that  one  will  understand  it  who  has  not 
tried  it.  We  have  had  very  few  whole  days  in  camp 
since  we  left  Missouri.     I  t^ink  one  day  in  crossing 


i.  f 


i^   n 


II 


66 


FATHER  EELLS. 


the  Kansas  River,  two  in  cmssinj^  the  North  Fork  of 
the  Platte,  which  we  did  in  boats  made  of  skins,  and 
two  at  Fort  William,  are  the  only  days  we  have  not 
traveled  some  distance.  Before  reaching  Rendezvons 
we  had  to  travel  eleven  hundred  miles  west  of  the  west- 
ern boundary  of  Missouri.  Camp  means  any  place 
where  the  company  stops.  Fort  means  a  place  pre- 
pared by  the  company  to  stop  and  recruit  animals 
and  exchange  if  necessary.  Fort  William  is  about 
halfwav  between  the  States  and  Rendezvous.  Fort 
Hall  is  about  halfway  between  Rendezvous  and 
Walla  Walla.  Rendezvous  is  any  place  where  the 
companies  meet  to  trade  with  the  Indians  and  with 
each  other.  It  is  generally,  if  not  always,  in  the 
Rockv  Mountains. 

'*Our  Sabbaths  have  always  been  the  hardest  day's 
woi'k.  This  has  led  me  very  much  to  question  the 
duty  of  going  to  the  heathen  in  this  way.  I  cannot 
tell  how  it  is  consistent  for  us  to  break  one  of  God's 
positive  commands  to  obey  another.  This  you  see 
we  must  do  to  go  with  the  company.  To  stop  would 
not  be  safe.  We  have  now  traveled  eleven  hundred 
miles  and  have  not   seen  anything   like  a  house  but 


once. 


>» 


Washing  was  done  in  kettles  for  tubs,  and  they 
heated  water,  washed,  boiled,  and  rinsed  the  clothes 
in  the  same  kettle. 


i  i 


CROSSmO   THE  CONTINENT. 


57 


The  missionary  tour  came  near  being  stopped  at 
this  place.  It  was  the  intention  to  come  this  far  with 
the  American  Fur  Company,  then  at  this  rendezvous 
to  meet  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company,  who  were  to 
escort  them  tlie  rest  of  tiie  way.  But  that  year  the 
Fur  Company  had  become  vexed  at  the  Hudson's  Bay 
Company,  and  instead  of  meeting  them  as  usual,  went 
to  a  new  place  a  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north.  This 
usual  rendezvous  was  on  Green  River,  a  branch  of  the 
Colorado ;  but  this  year  it  was  on  the  Popoazua,  a 
branch  of  Wind  River. 

In  passing  east  the  year  before,  Mr.  Gray  had  said 
to  Mr.  F.  Ermatiuger,  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company, 
that  he  expected  to  bring  a  party  out  the  next  year ; 
and  as  Mr.  Gray  had  favored  Mr.  Ermatinger,  the 
latter  intended  to  meet  the  party  at  the  old  rendezvous. 
But  when  Mr.  Ermatinger  arrived  no  party  or  trace  of 
one  was  to  be  found.  The  American  Fur  Company 
were  about  through  with  trading,  and  were  ready  to 
return  east  in  a  dav  or  two.  It  was  unsafe  for  the 
missionaries  to  proceed  alone.  They  found  a  party  of 
trappers  going  to  California.  They  must  either  return 
east  or  go  with  this  party  to  California  and  attempt 
to  make  their  way  thence  to  Oregon.  They  had  about 
half  determined  on  the  latter  course  when  Providence 
favored  them.  Some  one  who  was  somewhat  friendly 
to  the  missionaries,  either  Dr.  Robert  Newell,  an  inde- 


m 


■'  -I 

...  I  il 

■r  i\ 

:  ,1; 


58 


FATHER  EELLm', 


■\     tt! 


pendent  trapper,  or  a  halfbreed  named  Black  Harris, 
who  had  learned  of  this  rendezvous  of  the  American 
Fur  Company,  had  with  charcoal  written  on  the  old 
storehouse  door:  "Come  to  Popoazua  on  Wind  River 
and  you  will  find  plenty  trade,  whiskey,  and  white 
women."  The  words  "white  women,"  told  them 
what  was  meant,  and  Mr.  Ermatinger  went  immedi- 
ately there,  arriving  only  four  days  before  the  com- 
pany was  ready  to  start  on  their  return  to  the  States. 
With  him  were  Rev.  Jason  Lee  and  Mr.  P.  L.  Edwards, 
of  the  Methodist  Mission,  who  were  on  their  return 
east  for  reinforcements.  They  brought  the  welcome 
intelligence  that  Dr.  Whitman  and  Mr.  Spalding  had 
sent  fresh  horses  and  provisions  to  Fort  Hall  for  them. 
"This,"  Mrs.  Eells  wrote,  "  at  first  almost  overcame 
us.  We  felt  that  the  God  of  missions  liad  foreseen 
our  wants  and  seasonably  supplied  them  beyond  our 
expectations." 

As  to  their  provisions  she  wrote  at  the  same  time  :  — 
"When  we  leave  we  expect  to  find  buffalo  meat  for 
twenty  or  twenty-five  days.  After  that  we  shall  find 
no  game  for  ourselves.  Our  meat  is  to  be  cut  thin, 
dried  over  a  slow  fire,  and  packed  for  the  last  part  of 
our  route.  We  cannot  say  we  have  suffered  for  food, 
though  coarse  has  been  our  fare,  and  sometimes  short. 
The  change  from  vegetable  to  animal  food  was  so  great 
that  for  many  days  some  of  our  company  could  not 


CBOSsma  the  cnxTixFXT. 


69 


cat  enough  to  keep  them  comfort{i])le.  Mr.  Eells  jind 
Mr.  Wiilker  have  suffered  tl)e  most.  We  took  frojii 
Independence  provisions  to  hist  lo  tiie  bnffulo  country 
four  weeks.  Since  that  time  we  have  made  our  meals 
of  tea,  coffee,  and  buffalo  meat.  We  iiave  tlie  milk  of 
two  cows,  which,  with  a  little  flour,  makes  us  a  good 
gravy  with  our  meat.  When  we  left  Independence  we 
had  a  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  of  Hour,  fifty-seven 
pounds  of  rice,  twenty  or  twenty-five  pounds  of  sugar, 
a  little  pepper  and  salt  —  but  our  salt  is  almost  gone, 
and  we  cannot  buy  it  at  any  price  here.  Mr.  Gray 
has  jviiMt  been  out  and  bought  a  pint  of  tea  for  three 
dollars.  Coffee  and  sugar  are  all  the  same  now. 
These  we  expect  to  be  our  luxuries  to  Fort  Hall. 
From  iliere  we  have  supplies  from  Messrs.  Spalding 
and  "NVUitman." 

The  twelfth  of  July  they  started  from  this  rendez- 
vous with  a  company  of  about  twenty  men.  On  the 
next  day  in  crossing  a  ravine,  which  wns  deep  and 
naiTow,  so  much  so  that  her  horse  refu^^'d  to  carry 
her,  Mrs.  Eells  got  off,  the  horse  jumped  turough,  and 
sh«?  climbed  through  on  her  hands  and  kne>  s.  On  the 
14th  they  were  on  the  backbone  of  America  ;  scenery 
romantic,  mountains  of  red  sandstone  piled  on  moun- 
tains on  every  side,  so  steep  that  they  could  only  go  up 
and  down  them  sideways.  On  another  day  they  rode 
an  hour  and  a  half  on  the  side  of  a  mountain  the  an"le 


>  1:  I  , 


II 


'  Hi 
!  i 


'  f|i 


h|i«I 


60 


FATJfKJi   EKLLS. 


t« 


,IP 


of  wlii(!li  wjifl  ju(l«^(!cl  to  l)c  forty-five  dogreos,  and  no 
pjitli  but  what  tlioy  inmlo.  Iliid  tlic  horncH  made  one 
mlHstep  they  must  have  be(Mi  procipitatod  about  a  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  feet.  On  the  nineteenth  of  July 
tlic  ground  was  covered  with  flowers,  but  anow  was  idl 
around  th^n. 

"July  22,  Sabbath.  Tlie  Indians  arc  about  our 
tents  before  we  are  up,  and  stay  about  all  day.  Think 
they  are  the  most  filthy  Indians  we  have  seen.  Some 
of  them  have  a  buffalo  skin  around  them.  Mr. 
Walker  read  a  sermon,  and  althou";h  thev  could  not 
understand  a  word,  they  were  still  and  paid  good 
attention.     The}'  appeared  amused  with  our  singing." 

On  the  27th  they  reached  Fort  Hall,  where  they 
stayed  two  days,  being  received  very  kindly  by  Mr. 
McKay,  the  chief  factor.  Here  through  inducements 
held  out  by  the  company  and  statements  made  by  Mr. 
Ermatinger,  they  left  their  cattle,  American  ones,  and 
afterward  received  in  exchange  Spanish  ones  at  Fort 
Colville.  On  the  ninth  of  August  they  passed  Salmon 
Falls,  and  on  the  14tli  arrived  at  Fort  Boise,  where 
they  feasted  on  milk,  butter,  turnips,  pumpkins,  and 
salmon.  Here  they  stayed  two  days,  Mr.  Gray  and 
wife  leaving  the  rest  of  the  company  and  hurrying  on 
to  Walla  Walla.  But  one  night  is  described  here  as  a 
restless  one.  "The  dogs  bark,  the  wolves  prowl,  the 
horses  take  fright  and  break  loose,  some  of  the  men 


CnONSISU  THE  conti^text. 


61 


jilxmt  the  fort  liuvc  a  spree,  the  winds  blow  our  tent 
over,  and  the  Indians  are  about  watching  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  take  what  they  can  get."  On  the  2'M\  three 
of  their  horses  were  stolen  by  the  Indians.  Two  days 
afterward  as  they  came  into  the  Grand  Honde  Valley, 
INIrs.  Conner,  an  Indian  woman,  was  taken  sick.  ISIr. 
Conner,  Mr.  Smith  and  wife  stayed  with  iier,  and  they 
did  not  get  into  camp  that  night.  The  next  day  being 
the  Sabbath,  the  main  party  rested,  and  aI)out  ten 
o'clock  the  others  arrived,  Mrs.  Conner  ])ringing  an 
infant  daughter.  She  had  ridden  about  fifteen  miles 
that  day  and  twenty-five  the  day  previous. 

On  the  27th  Mr.  Rogers  was  thrown  from  his  horse 
and  hurt  badly.  He  tried  to  go  on,  but  could  not,  and 
was  bled.  Accordingly  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  and  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Conner  stayed  with  him,  while  the  others 
moved  on.  The  next  night  while  on  the  Blue  Moun- 
tains they  were  cheered  by  meeting  a  white  man  who 
bad  been  sent  by  Dr.  Whitman  with  fresh  saddle 
horses. 

Wednesday,  August  29,  the  journal  has  the  follow- 
ing entry :  — 

"Rode  seven  hours,  thirty  miles;  arrived  at  Dr. 
Whitman's.  Met  Mr.  Spalding  and  wife,  with  Dr. 
Whitman  and  wife,  anxiously  awaiting  our  arrival. 
They  all  appear  friendly  and  treat  us  with  great  hospi- 
tality.    Dr.  Whitman's  bouse  is  on  the  Walla  Walla 


li 


1 


i       I 


■ 


«!,! 


62 


FATHER  EELLS. 


I 


iil 


River,  twenty-five  miles  east  of  Fort  Walla  Walla 
[now  Wallula].  It  is  built  of  adobe,  mud  dried  in 
the  form  of  brick,  only  larger.  I  cannot  describe  its 
appearance,  as  I  cannot  compare  it  with  anything  I 
ever  saw.  There  are  doors  and  windows,  but  they  are 
of  the  roughest  material,  the  boards  being  sawed  by 
hand  and  put  together  by  no  carpenter,  ])ut  by  one 
who  knows  nothing  about  the  work.  There  are  a 
number  of  wheat,  corn,  and  potato  fields  about  the 
house,  besides  a  garden  of  melons  ond  all  kinds  of 
vegetables  comi  on  to  a  garden.  There  are  no  fencQS, 
there  being  no  tim))er  of  which  to  make  them.  The' 
furniture  is  very  primitive ;  the  bedsteads  are  boards 
nailed  to  the  si^tj  of  the  house,  sink-fashion :  then 
some  blankets  and  husks  make  the  bed ;  but  it  is  good 
compared  with  traveling  accommodations." 

The  next  day  Messrs.  Smith,  Rogers,  and  Conner 
arrived,  and  the  day  following  they  settled  with  their 
hired  help. 

The  long  journey  of  one  hundred  and  twenly-nine 
davs  from  the  M  souri  River,  and  one  hundred  and 
seventy-seven  from  the  starting  place  in  Massachusetts, 
was  ended,  and  the  distance  between  the  Alissouri 
and  Walla  Walla  had  been  traveled  a  second  time  by 
women. 


CHAFFER  III. 


I 


OREGON  IN  1888. 


•:■  .} 


TMIE  Oregon  of  1838  was  very  different  from  the 
Oregon  of  18U3,  when  Dr.  Eells  died.  Not 
iilone  Oregon,  but  Washington,  Idaho,  and  a  small  part 
of  Montana  and  of  Wyoming  were  then  called  Oregon. 
It  had  not  been  decided,  however,  that  it  belonged  to 
the  United  States.  The  treaty  between  Great  Britain 
and  the  United  States  which  settled  that  controversy 
was  not  signed  until  Dr.  Eells  had  been  in  the  country 
eight  years.  Even  the  provisional  government  for 
Oregon  formed  by  the  Americans  for  their  own  pro- 
tection, independent  of  the  United  States  until  one 
government  or  the  other  should  assume  control,  was  not 
formed  until  1843.  Indeed,  in  1838  there  were  not 
enough  Americans  in  the  whole  country  even  to  wish 
to  form  such  a  government.  Previous  to  the  arrival 
of  this  missionarv  reinforcement  of  1838  there  were,  as 
nearly  as  cau  now  be  ascertained,  only  fifty-one  Ameri- 
cans in  Oregon,  thirty  of  whom  were  connected  with 
the  Methodist  Missionary  Society  and  the  American 
Board,  and  hence  expected  to  govern  themselves,  leav- 
ing oulv  twentv-one  who  needed  further  government. 


,:il 


«  :j  I 


TH 


64 


FATHEU  EELL8. 


1  i 


In  fact  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  ruled  the  country. 
It  of  course  governed  its  own  employes,  but  it  also 
did  much  more.  It  located  the  missionaries,  placing 
the  Methodists  in  the  Willamette  valley,  although 
they  had  planned  to  settle  east  of  the  Cascades, 
because  the  company  thought  that  region  too  far  inland 
for  easily  protecting  them.  It  located  the  mission- 
aries of  the  American  Board,  who  had  expected  to 
work  west  of  the  Cascades,  east  of  those  mountains, 
because  the  Methodists  were  there  when  they  ar- 
rived. The  company  had  about  the  only  goods  in  the 
country.  Everybody  was  dependent  on  it  for  sup- 
port. It  managed  the  Indians,  and  generally  quite 
well,  as  it  was  for  its  interest  so  to  do.  Although  by 
treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain 
Americans  had  as  many  rights  in  the  country  as 
Englishmen,  yet  the  company  drove  out  every 
American  trading  company,  at  least  eleven  of  which 
attempted  to  enter  the  region  previous  to  1838.  This 
it  was  its  interest  to  do.  The  company  told  the 
missionaries  what  articles  they  might  trade  to  the 
Indians  and  fixed  a  price  for  each.  When  it  said, 
"  Do  not  touch  beaver  skins,"  the  missionaries  obeyed. 
If  they  did  not  obey,  they  must  perish  or  leave  the 
country.  From  about  1821,  when  the  company  estab- 
lished itself  in  the  country,  until  after  1838  it  was 
"  monarch  of  all   it  surveyed."    The   factors   were, 


OREGON  IN  1838. 


65 


however,  kind  to  the  missionaries,  and  assisted  them 
in  all  reasonable  ways,  as  long  as  they  attended  to 
their  proper  business. 

At  that  time  in  Oregon,  which  in  1892  contained 
about  900,000  inhabitants,^  there  were  only  thirteen 
settlements :  the  mission  stations  of  Dr.  Whitman  at 
Waiilatpu  in  the  Walla  Walla  valley,  of  Mr.  Spalding 
at  Lapwai  among  the  Nez  Perces,  of  the  Methodists 
at  The  Dalles  and  near  Salem  ;  and  the  Hudson's  Bay 
Company's  forts  at  Walla  Walla  (now  Wallula), 
Colville,  Hall,  Boise,  Vancouver,  Nisqually,  Umpqua, 
and  Okanogan,  and  the  settlement  at  Astoria. 

Neither  California,  Nevada,  Utah,  New  Mexico, 
Arizona,  Texas,  nor  Alaska  belonged  to  the  United 
States,  all  the  people  over  whom  our  country  had 
direct  control  in  the  riiiion  now  covered  by  all  these 
states  and  territories  being  comprised  in  the  above- 
mentioned  fifty-one  Americans.  This  was  even  then 
so  much  of  a  foreign  country  that  it  was  necessary  for 
the  missionaries  to  procure  passports  from  the  secre- 
tary of  war.  ^ 


Un  1890  Washington  had  a  population  of  349,390;  Oregon,  313,767; 
Idaho,  84,IW');  five  counties  in  southwestern  Montana,  and  one  in  north- 
eastern Wyondng,  which  were  in  the  Oregon  of  18!8,  65,802;  total, 
813,404.  In  K-Oi  the  poi)ulation  of  Washington  had  increased  to 395,589. 
It  has  been  impossible  for  the  writer  to  obtain  the  figures  in  reganl  to  the 
rest  of  the  region  above  specified  for  18'.)2,  but  if  it  Increased  as  rapidly 
as  Washington,  the  total  population  would  have  been  982,469. 

*The  following  Is  a  copy  of  the  passport  of  Mr.  Eells,  which  was 
given  in  duplicate:— 


1  IW 


66 


FATHEB  EELL8, 


I  i' 


!.;'r 


At  that  time,  in  fact,  the  whole  United  States  con- 
tained less  than  seventeen  rnillion  people,  only  about 
one  ({uartcr  of  what  it  did  at  the  time  of  Dr.  Eells' 
tleath.  The  cities  too  had  changed  as  nuich  or  more. 
Pittsburg,  with  its  quarter  of  a  million,  had  only  twenty 
thousand  peojile  when  his  party  gave  up  the  [)riviloge 
of  spending  a  part  of  the  Sabbath  in  it,  that  they 
migiit  "  remember  the  day  to  keep  it  holy."  Cincin- 
nati, where  he  saw  his  first  pack  saddle,  has  increased 
during  those  years  from  about  forty  thousand  to  three 
hundred  thousand.  The  St.  Louis  of  to-day,  with 
nearly  a  half  a  million,  was  then  a  border  town  of 
about  fifteen  thousand.  Chicago,  now  the  second 
city  in  the  United  States,  with  its  million  and  a  half 
of  inhabitants,  had  not  previous  to  1838  been  of  suffi- 
cient size  to  have  a  United  States  census  taken  of  it, 
and  had  only  4,470  people  two  years  later.  New 
York,  with  her  more  than  a  million  and  a  half,  had 
only  about  two  hundred  and  ninety   thousand   when 


The  Rev.  Gushing  Eells,  Missionary  jind  Teacher  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  to  the  tribes  west  of  the 
Uocky  Mountains,  liaving  signlflcd  to  this  Department  his  desire  to 
pass  through  the  Indian  country  to  the  Columbia  lllver,  and  requested 
the  permission  recpiircd  by  law  to  enable  him  so  to  do,  such  permission 
is  hereby  grante<l;  and  he  is  commended  to  the  friendly  attentions  of 
Civil  and  Military  Agents  and  OiTiuers,  and  of  Citizens,  and,  if  at  any 
time  il  shall  be  necessary,  to  tluir  protection. 

I  ^i-'—  1        Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the  War  Department 
J  SEAL  I  tiiig  o7tii  aay  of  February,  1838. 
(  ^*-*'  )  J.  R.  POINSETT, 

Secretary  of  War, 


OREGON  IN  1S38. 


67 


the  missionary  band  of  1838  received   their   instruc- 
tions there. 

West  of  the  Mississippi  River  were  then  only  three 
states,  Louisiana,  Arkansas,  and  Missouri,  and  these 
with  Iowa,  which,  however,  was  not  even  an  organized 
territory  when  Mr.  Kells  left  Massachusetts,  had,  two 
years  hiter,  only  a  population  of  876,799.  There  were 
in  1838  less  people  west  of  the  Mississippi  than  there 
were  in  1893  in  what  was  formerly  Oregon. 

The  railroad  engine  had  not  been  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghenies,  and  only  thirteen  years  anywhere  in  the 
United  States,  and  the  telegraph  was  not  fairly  born 
until  six  years  after  Mr.  Eells  arrived  in  Oregon. 

Oregon  itself  was  held  by  learned  men  in  Congress 
to  be  the  mere  offscouring  of  creation  —  a  Botany  Bay 
for  rogues  and  scoundrels  if  ever  the  United  States 
should  need  such  a  place,  while  the*  idea  of  a  railroad 
across  the  continent  was  ridiculed  in  Conjjress  like  the 
lamp  of  Aladdin. 

Wagons  did  not  reach  the  Columbia  River  until 
1840.  The  wagon  road  was  not  opened  until 
1843.  While  there  were  probably  a  few  home- 
made carts  about  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company's  forts, 
yet  the  pack  saddle  occupied  the  place  of  the 
freight  car,  the  mule  and  cayuse  pony  that  of  the 
steam  engine,  and  the  canoe  and  batteau  that  of  the 
steamer. 


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68 


FATIlEJi  SELLS, 


\.\ 


fi         i- 


The  houses  were  log  cabins,  or  of  adobe  —  sun- 
burnt brick.  That  of  Mr.  Eells  at  Tshimakain  had  at 
first  only  earth  for  a  floor  and  pine  boughs  for  a 
roof.  As  that  did  not  protect  from  rain,  some  earth 
was  thrown  upon  the  boughs.  Still  the  rain  came 
through,  so  a  bearskin  was  put  over  tlie  bed  to  keep 
the  occupants  dry,  wliile  the  boughs  were  laid  upon 
the  earth  beneath,  and  when  they  became  too  dry  were 
exchanged  for  new  ones.  This  was  for  years  the 
carpet  for  the  mission  mansion. 

A  cooking  stove  was  unknown  at  Tshimakain  during 
the  whole  ten  years  of  the  mission.  Window  glass 
was  at  first  as  scarce.  Cotton  cloth  was  used  as  a 
substitute,  next  undressed  deerskin,  oiled.  After  a 
while  a  few  panes  of  glass  were  sent  from  Massachu- 
setts, and  still  later  a  small  box  of  glass  was  obtained. 

They  had  one  chair  during  the  ten  years.  For  a 
table  three  boards,  each  three  feet  long,  were  packed 
a  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  a  center  table  made  by 
driving  four  stakes  into  the  ground  and  placing  the 
boards  on  them.  Timber  split  and  hewn  was  used  for 
other  articles. 

Hotels  indeed  were  numerous  everywhere  a  person 
wished  to  camp.  They  were  larger  than  the  Tacoma 
Hotel  and  Hotel  Portland,  though  not  as  expensive  per 
day;  they  were  as  large  as  all  outdoors.  About  1839 
Mr.  Eells  s^id:  *'I  am  pleased  with  the  taverns  of 


oiiEaoy  IX  18S8. 


69 


Oregon."  Really  he  enjoyed  them  as  long  as  he  lived. 
Camping  ont  was  ever  attractive  to  him. 

The  reason  why  they  did  not  use  lumber  was  that 
there  was  almost  none.  The  country  bounded  by 
California,  the  Rocky  Mountains,  British  Columbia, 
and  the  Pacific  Ocean,  which  now  produces  over  two 
l)illion  feet  of  lumber  annually,  *  had,  possibly,  one 
sawmill ;  if  so,  it  was  at  Fort  Vancouver,  about  four 
hundred  miles  from  Mr.  Eells'  station,  too  far  to 
transport  lumber  by  the  railroads  and  steamers  of 
that  day.  All  their  lumber  was  sawed  by  hand  with  a 
pit  saw. 

The  flour  mills  were  somewhat  more  numerous. 
There  was  one  at  Vancouver  and  one  at  Colville. 
Flour  brought  to  Dr.  Whitman's  was  twenty-four 
dollars  a  barrel.  When,  however,  Mr.  Eells  located 
among  the  Spokaues,  he  was  conveniently  near  the  one 
at  Colville,  for  it  was  only  seventv  miles  distant,  and 
they  could  go  and  return  in  five  days.  The  soil  was 
plowed  with  a  homemade  plow,  the  singletrees  had 
rawhide  instead  of  iron,  and  the  wheat  was  cut  for 
nine  years  with  old-fashioned  sickles. 

At  Dr.  Whitman's  at  first  a  small  baking  of  bread 
was  indulged  in  once  a  week.     It  was  generally  gone 


1  The  editor  of  The  Puget  Sound  Lumberman  gives  the  product  of  lum- 
ber for  1892  as  follows:  Wa^bingtoi),  l,l»i4,4J5.S80  feet;  Oregon, 008,(100,. 
2U0;  Idaho,  200,000,000;  live  counties  iu  suuUuvuHtern  Idubo,  ./rMi.OOO.OOO. 


il 


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111 


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70 


FATUKU  EELIS. 


I       J 


i'        if 


by  the  third  clay,  and  then  wheat  and  corn  cooked 
whole  were  used  the  rest  of  the  time.  Such  were  the 
conditions  in  the  great  agricultural  region  which  a  year 
before  Dr.  Eells'  death  produced  over  twenty-nine 
million  bushels  of  wheat.' 

The  flour  sacks  were  of  buckskin,  for  it  was  cheaper 
than  cloth,  as  well  as  more  enduring.  One  has  been 
kept  by  the  pioneer  missionary.  By  its  side  is  a  valise 
of  the  same  material,  though  no  stranger  would  recog- 
nize it  as  such.  The  overalls  and  pantaloons  com- 
bined were  made  of  the  same  material,  with  a  leather 
apron  for  packing,  and  sinew  was  a  common  thread. 

The  beef  neither  chewed  the  cud  nor  parted  the 
hoof.  It  was  made  out  of  the  Indian  pony.  Cattle 
were  very  scarce.  The  Hudson's  Bay  Company  owned 
all  in  the  country,  except  what  the  missionaries  had 
brought.  Neither  love  nor  money  could  procure  one 
from  the  company.  About  half  a  dozen  horses  were 
killed  for  beef  at  Dr.  Whitman's  during  the  winter  of 
1838-39,  and  for  several  years  Mr.  Eells  was  accus- 
tomed to  salt  one  down  every  winter.  They  were 
fattened  on  the  rich  bunch  grass  and  with  few  excep- 
tions were  eaten  with  a  relish,  even  by  the  fastidious. 

Mrs.  Eells  once  wrote :  '*I  had  the  luxury  of  eating 


'The  wheat  product,  from  the  best  statistics  I  have  been  able  to  ob- 
tain, is:  Oregon  (18J»2),  ir>,00<),00();  Washinj,'ton  (\»9l),  1>,21G,000;  Idaho 
(18i)l),  1,811,000  bushels. 


OBEOON  IN  1838. 


71 


a  piece  of  the  first  cow  that  was  driven  into  the  coun- 
try." In  1818  a  pair  of  calves  were  taken  by  boat 
from  Vancouver  to  Fort  Walla  Walla  ( Wallula) .  In 
1838  one  of  them  was  the  ancestor  of  all  kine  between 
the  Cascade  and  Blue  Mountains.  She  was  twenty 
years  old,  with  not  a  tooth  in  her  head,  and  about  use- 
less to  keep  alive.  But  though  toothless  she  had  been 
so  fattened  that  she  was  believed  to  be  good  beef. 
She  was  killed  and  a  liberal  portion  sent  to  Dr.  Whit- 
man, the  first  winter  after  Mr.  Eells  arrived,  and  she 
was  the  best  beef  ever  eaten  in  the  Walla  Walla 
valley.  Before  Dr.  Eells  died  this  whole  region  pro- 
duced nearly  eight  hundred  thousand  cattle,  and  was 
exporting  beef  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States.' 

Matches  were  made  of  stone,  iron,  and  rotten  wood, 
—  flint,  with  sometimes  the  striking  part  of  iron, 
and  punk,  —  wHh  occasionally  a  homemade  affair  of 
sulphur. 

The  post  offices  were  as  scarce  as  the  mails  were 
infrequent.  Usually  the  latter  came  twice  a  year,  in 
the  Hudson's  Bay  Company's  vessels,  by  way  of  Cape 
Horn  and  the  Sandwich  Islands  to  Vancouver,  which 
was  the  distributing  office.  Mail  for  the  missions 
east  of  the  Cascades  was  taken  up  the  Columbia 
to  Fort   Walla  Walla.     On    learning   of    its    arrival 


Un   1892   Oregon  had  388,619  cattle;  Washington,   224,723;    Idaho, 
177,826. 


nw 


72 


FATIIKIi  FELLS. 


Mr.  KoIIh  would  start  witli  puck  animals  and  a  helper, 
go  to  the  post  ollice  two  hundred  miles  distant,  and 
return  in  two  weeks.  Tlie  newest  papers  were  six 
months  and  sometimes  twelve  months  old. 

In  January,  1844,  Mrs.  Eells  wrote  to  her  sister  in 
Massachusetts:  "  Your  letter  dated  September,  1841, 
I  received  July,  1843,  a  long  time  sure  enough,  but,  as 
the  Indians  say,  '  I  am  tiiankful  to  get  a  letter  of  any 
date.'"  In  April,  1847,  she  wrote  to  the  same  sister: 
"  I  liave  just  been  reading  your  sisterly  letter  of 
December,  1844,  and  although  it  was  written  more 
than  two  years  ago,  yet  since  it  is  the  \u,st  I  have 
heard  from  you,  it  is  like  reviving  conversation  and 
talking  of  jiast  events.  You  said  that  it  had  been  two 
years  a  short  time  previous  since  you  had  heard  from 
us."  In  October,  1847,  she  wrote  about  a  letter  re- 
ceived the  previous  Jul}' :  "I  am  sorry  to  delay 
answering  so  good  a  letter  so  long,  but  have  not  known 
of  an  opportunity  to  send  letters  to  the  United  States." 
Even  as  late  as  November,  1850,  she  wrote  from 
Forest  Grove  to  a  friend  in  Africa:  "  If  I  remember 
right,  your  letter  of  1848  was  received  last  June." 

Information  as  to  the  treaty  between  Great  Britain 
and  the  United  States,  made  June  15,  1846,  was 
received  at  Fort  Vancouver  about  November  3  of  the 
same  year,  via  the  Sandwich  Islands,  four  months  and 
a  half,  and  later  was  sent  east  of  the  Cascades.     This 


oitKdo.v  i.v  is:ja. 


73 


wan  telcgra[)hic  conununicution  of  tlic  most  iniportuut 
kind. 

For  the  missionaries  at  Tshimakain  Fort  Colvillc 
was  occasionally  a  way  station  or  letter  box.  Dr. 
Fells  gives  the  following  account  of  one  trip  to  that 
place  to  de})osit  mail :  — 

*'  With  our  limited  facilities  the  annual  autumnal 
passage  of  the  brigade  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company 
from  east  of  the  mountains  down  the  Columbia  was  an 
important  event.  Its  arrival  at  Fort  (-olville  was  to 
be  prepared  for.  Thus  an  opportunity  was  afforded 
for  the  convevance  of  letters  to  Vancouver,  and 
thence  via  the  Sandwich  Islands  to  Boston.  I  had 
written  and  had  arranged  with  an  Indian  to  accompany 
and  assist  me  in  conveying  the  mails,  and  in  convey- 
ing supplies  from  the  fort.  In  vain  I  looked  for  the 
arrival,  according  to  promise,  of  the  needed  helper. 
The  morning  hours  passed.  According  to  our  meas- 
urement 11  A.M.  was  nearing.  The  idea  of  not  for- 
warding what  I  had  prepared  was  unendurable.  On  a 
riding  horse,  with  pack  mule  carrying  tent,  bedding, 
food,  I  started.  The  moon  was  at  its  full.  After  a 
ride  of  forty  miles  I  camped.  Seasonably  the  next 
morning  I  was  traveling.  The  distance,  thirty  miles 
to  the  post,  was  passed.  The  boats  had  not  arrived. 
My  mail  was  left  and  I  returned  twenty  miles. 

*'The  fifty  miles  for  the  next  day  should  be  com- 


,]\' 


'  1 


■ii 


-t    =  !' 


74 


FATHER  EELL8, 


menced  early,  as  the  last  fifteen  miles  were  darkened 
with  timl)er.  The  moon  would  not  rise  till  more  than 
two  hours  after  sunset,  and  it  was  cloudy.  With  such 
facts  in  mind  I  encamped.  I  slept,  I  awoke ;  my  first 
thought  was,  It  is  daylight.  The  moon  was  concealed 
behind  the  clouds.  Hurriedly  I  struck  tent,  saddled, 
packed,  and  was  oflf.  After  riding  an  indefinite 
length  of  time  the  location  of  the  moon  was  discernible. 
Judging  thus,  it  was  not  far  from  midnight.  After 
a  nocturnal  ride  of  ten  miles  I  lay  down  again  and  slept 
without  fear  of  being  benighted  in  dark  timber.  The 
distance  traveled  was  one  hundred  and  forty  miles ; 
length  of  time,  a  little  in  excess  of  two  days  and  a  half, 
with  object  obtained  and  mail  taken  to  post  office."^ 

The  goods  were  largely  in  P^ngland.  At  the  forts 
were  supplies  used  in  the  Indian  trade,  but  not  for 
civilized  families  ;  consecjuently  their  bills  for  a  year's 
supply  had  to  be  made  out  a  year  beforehand,  for- 
warded through  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  to  London, 
and  then  brought  back. 

These  were  paid  for  by  drafts  on  Boston.  The  cur- 
rency of  the  country  was  beav(U",  with  tobacco  and 
clothes  for  change.  Money  was  almost  unknown. 
In  ten  years  Mr.  P^ells  used  two  and  a  half  dollars  in 

ft' 

cash.     A  gold  piece  of  this  amount  he  gave  to  Dr. 
Whitman  for  filling  a  tooth. 

1  Walla  Walla  Watchman,  March  27, 1885. 


OUEUOS  IN  1838. 


75 


Mrs.  El'IIh'  impn^ssiims  of  the  country  Jiru  <j;ivon  in 
u  U'tttT  writtiMi  from  Dr.  WliitmuirH  station,  October 
4,  ISaH.     She  savs:  — 

"  Wc  hud  a  lon<;,  hard  liorHcback  journey,  hut  sup- 
pose that  we  are  the  better  qualifieil  to  Hve  in  tliis 
country,  as  there  is  no  otlier  mode  of  conveyance 
here.  Instead  of  finding  everything  necessary  for  a 
livelihood,  w(»  find  we  are  dependent  on  the  mission 
for  everything  at  j)resent. 

'*  The  country  is  large  and  there  are  coinparntively 
few  inhabitants  in  it.  The  Hudson's  Bay  Company  has 
a  number  of  trading  posts  which  are  generally  about 
three  hundred  miles  apart.  Mr.  Spalding  and  Dr. 
Whitman  have  each  a  station  about  a  hundred  and 
twenty-five  miles  apart.  The  Methodists  have  two 
stations  —  one  a  hundred  and  fifty  miles  and  the 
other  four  hundred  miles  from  here.  Besides  these 
settlements  there  are  no  others  in  this  great  territory. 
Of  course  the  people  of  each  settlement  must  raise 
their  own  provisions,  make  their  own  furniture,  farm- 
ing utensils,  houses,  and  barns.  There  are  a  few 
cattle  at  each  missionary  station,  a  large  number  at 
Vancouver,  and  some  at  most  of  the  other  forts. 
Everything  of  cloth  is  brought  from  some  foreign 
port.  There  is  nothing  yet  to  make  cloth  of,  and  if 
there  were,  there  is  no  way  to  manufacture  it.  Had  I 
known  there  was  not  a  [spinning]  wheel  in  this  wholQ 


it ,.' 


1 


li 


'! 


:J  t 


!;  i  ;ll 


I 

IV 


m 


i 


76 


FATHEli  KELLS. 


^  III 


coimtry  1  hIiouUI  \\i\\k\  bfcii  i'xc(.H'<linjj;ly  anxious  to 
have  had  one  aont  witli  my  other  thinj^s.  'I'here  are 
ViTV  few  Hheep  here,  and  more  liave  been  sent  for 
from  California.  Dr.  Whitman  has  raised  a  little 
(lax,   thonjjfh  not  nineh,   for  want  of  seed. 

''  Had  it  not  been  for  the  l)eddinij;,  books,  elothing, 
ete.,  that  were  kindly  furnished  me  at  honie,  I  must 
have  been  in  great  want.  The  Hudson's  I^ay  Com- 
pany has  furnished  Mr.  Si>aldin<;  and  Dr.  Whitman 
with  many  of  the  neeessaries  of  life,  whieh  the  a<i;ents 
eonsider  as  a  «rreat  favor,  for  tiiev  only  brinjj;  what 
they  want  for  their  own  use  and  to  trade  with  the 
Indians.  There  never  havinyr  been  any  white  women 
here  bek'ore  the  missionaries,  there  has  been  no  call 
for  anythin*;  but  Imlian  articles  of  trade.  The  men 
wear  striped  eotton  or  e:dieo  shirts,  sleep  in  Indian 
blankets  and  buffalo  skins,  and  of  course  have  had  no 
need  for  white  cotton  cloth,  and  have  none.  The 
Indians  Wijar  moccasins,  so  there  has  been  no  want  of 
shoes  excei)t  for  their  own  use.  What  things  they  have 
that  are  not  in  present  ut^e  are  kept  at  Vancouver, 
and  there  is  generally  a  full  supply  for  this  country. 

''  Mrs.  Whitman  and  Mrs.  Spalding  have  obtained 
some  earthen  dishes,  but  think  it  is  doubtful  whether 
we  can  have  any  others  until  we  order  them  from  Eng- 
hmd  or  the  States.  Perhaps  you  will  wonder  what  we 
shall  eat  with.     We  have  the  dishes  we  used  ou  the 


m 


OHBOOft  I!f  1S38. 


77 


way,  which  wo  have  divided  ho  that  wt;  shall  cacli 
have  a  tin  disli  and  a  s{)<)()ii,  each  a  knife,  fork,  and 
phite.  I  expect  we  can  <!;et  tinware  at  Vancouver.  I 
l)elieve  tliere  is  a  tinner  there.  We  numt  be  contented 
with  wliat  l)ooks  we  have  until  ours  come  [around 
Cape  Horn].  Dr.  Wiiitinan  has  jj^onc  to  Vancouver 
to  jz;et  what  lie  can  for  us  and  make  arranj^ements  for 
them  to  send  our  things  to  us  when  they  shall  come. 
AVe  do  not  expect  them  btifore  another  season. 

''  The  Indians  are  num<  rous,  hut  they  live  a  wan- 
derinjj;  life.  They  live  upon  <^ame,  fish,  and  roots, 
which  are  found  in  many  different  places.  They  have 
no  houses,  l>ut  live  in  lodjjes  nuide  of  sticks  set  in  a 
circle  in  the  ground  and  drawn  toj^ether  at  the  top 
and  fastened  with  a  string,  leaving  ii  place  at  the  toj) 
for  the  sraoke  to  pass  out.  Over  this  frame  they 
throw  skins,  grass,  willows,  and  the  like,  which  make 
their  covering.  They  build  tiieir  lire  upon  the  ground, 
in  the  cciiter,  around  which  they  sit  and  sleej).  They 
generally  have  one  kettle  in  which  they  lM>il  their  fish, 
moat,  corn,  and  potatoes,  if  they  have  any.  None  of 
them  have  corn  and  potatoes  except  what  they  get 
from  some  of  the  iibove-named  settlements.  Not 
many  of  them  have  any  dishes,  knives  or  forks  or 
spoons  of  any  kind.  They  eat  standing,  with  the 
kettle  in  the  middle,  their  hands  supplying  thr  place 
of  all  dishes.     They  will  often  perform  a  long  journey 


'  '     'i 
■i 

'  ■  1 

1 

1 

f. 


I     i 


78 


FATJIKU    KKLLS. 


for  ;»  kiiifo  or  w  Mankol,.  They  drt'ss  in  hUImh.  Somo 
of  tluMii  jj;ot  Miinkt'tH  for  tluMr  .st'rvi<'»>s  to  tlio  whiU's, 
which  (h«'v  vnhio  hijihlv-  Thcv  Imvc  no  written  h«n- 
j^nnm*,  and  I  holiovc  no  two  trilns  spojik  tlie  .same 
lanjXn.Mjic,  thonLjh  there  in  some  siniihirity. 

''  It  is  not  known  that  they  worshij)  idols,  tliongli  it, 
is  supju>se(i  that  they  worship  soinethinjj;.  rornuMiy 
when  one  died,  owninjj;  horses,  some  of  the  rehilives 
kilU^l  them,  sayinjjj  he  wonld  want  them  in  another 
worUi.  AVlien  thev  are  sick  thev  have  a  kind  of  jni;- 
gUM'y.  I  have  jnst  been  \o  see  one  of  tlieir  perform- 
ances. The  woman  who  was  sick  was  slandinj."  ahont 
half  bent,  beatinij;  ni>on  a  bit  of  board  with  a  stick, 
uivinii  herself  (he  hardest  of  exercise,  all  the  while 
sijxhinii  and  sobbing  as  if  her  heart  W(Me  broken,  and 
sweatinii  profuselv.  Five  or  six  old  women  were  sit- 
tinsi  aronnd  her,  keeping  perfect  time  with  all  her 
gestures  by  tlrumming  upon  something  with  a  stone. 
When  the  sick  one  is  too  feeble  to  j)erform,  or  too 
young,  some  one  performs  for  lior.  We  tried  to  tell 
tJieiu  it  was  bad,  and  she  k  f t  olT  and  lay  down  while 
we  were  there,  but  as  soon  us  wc  were  away  they  were 
drujuminjx  asxidn. 

"Thev  sav  thev  are  jjflad  we  have  come  to  teach 
tiieiu ;  that  their  mind  is  dark,  that  thev  know  but 
little,  and  tliat  their  children  will  know  more.  There 
are  a  great  many  ohildren,  though  very  many  die  quite 


OBKiioN  m  ia;i8. 


79 


young.  It  iH  tliought  tlioy  arc  diJciT-UHing,  notwitli- 
stnndiiig  hoiiu;  of  tluMii  have  a  large  iiiiiiilxtr  of  wives. 
The  more  wives  lliey  have  the  richiT  they  are.  The 
women  perform  all  the  drudgery  and  do  all  the  work. 
They  are  a  very  imitative  people  ;  what  they  see  U8  do 
they  try  to  do.  They  are  very  striet  in  their  mortiijjg 
and  evening  devotions  and  the  observance  of  the 
Sabbath  and  the  like.  They  do  it  because  they  have 
see'*  •  4  <lo  it,  and  not  from  any  sense  of  duty. 

'hey  have  learned  of  Mr.  Spalding  and  Dr. 
Whitman  some  Scripture  history  and  some  hymns, 
which  they  sing.  They  have  not  yet  had  nmch  time  to 
teach  them,  being  obliged  to  do  most  of  their  own 
work.  It  is  true  the  Indians  help  them  some,  but 
they  '-annot  be  de[)ende«l  upon.  Tiiey  art;  here  to-day 
and  to-morrow  tiny  are  somewhere  else.  liesides,  if 
they  think  you  arc^  depending  on  them,  they  will  not 
work,  unless  they  are  driven  to  it  by  hunger.  Some 
of  tliem  are  beginning  to  sow  little  patches  of  corn, 
wheat,  and  potatoes  for  themselves.  This  tlu;  men 
have  done  and  are  proud  of  it;  ))ut  if  a  man  works 
foi-  us,  they  call  him  a  slave  and  a  fool.  Three  or 
four  hjivc  given  evidetiee  of  a  change  of  heart. 

"•  We  feel  that  we  are  a  small  b:ind  of  missionaries 
in  a  heathen  land,  far  removed  from  tlie  luxuries  and 
many  of  the  comforts  of  life,  and  we  feel  more  keenly 
the  absence  of  civilized  and  Christian  society  ;  but  wc 


80 


FATUEli  EELLS. 


truHt  we  lijive  been  Bent  here  on  erran'^lH  of  mercy, 
that  we  are  and  sliall  he  austained  in  every  trial  by 
the  same  Ahni<2;htv  arm  as  in  a  Christian  bind.  It 
is  true  that  tlie  Held  is  large  and  but  Was  laborers  are 
in  it,  yet  we  pray  that  we  may  do,  and  do  cheerfully, 
what  we  have  to  do  to  bring  the  heathen  to  Ciirist, 
knowing  that  our  reward  will  be  great  if  we  arc 
faithful. 

*'  I  do  not  regret  that  I  have  come  to  labor  for  tiic 
IndianH.  I  only  regret  that  I  am  not  better  (lualillcd 
for  my  work.  I  feel  that  I  have  come  from  a  land  of 
plenty  to  a  destitute  heathen  people.  I  often  fear 
that  I  siiall  lack  that  wisdom  which  is  profitable  to 
direct.  I  am  sure  no  one  ought  to  come  iiere  until  ho 
has  counted  well  the  cost." 

As  to  the  number  of  Indians  at  tiiat  time  in  Orcffon 
there  is  very  little  reliable  data.  Uev.  S.  Parker,  in 
1835  and  1H36,  traveled  over  a  considerable  part  of 
the  country  and  obtained  all  the  information  he  could 
on  tills  subject  from  the  Indians  and  tiu'  Hudson's 
Hay  Company.  His  estimate  was  about  100,000, 
nejuiv  eciually  divided  by  the  Cascade  Mountains: 
H,7H()  were  in  the  Wilhimette  Valley,  17,000  between 
it  and  California,  and  about  25.000  north  of  the 
Columbia  and  west  of  the  Cascades.  He  estimates 
10,000  Snakes,  2,r)00  Nez  Perces,  2,000  Cayuses,  500 
Walla   Wallas,  300  Palouses,  800  each   of   the   Spo- 


on  Eli  ON  IN  1SS8. 


81 


kanes  and  Flatlicads,  700  CaMir  d'Alenes,  2,200  Pen 
d'Orcillcs,  1,000  Kootenays,  the  same  niimbcM"  of 
Okanogans,  aOO  Colvilles,  and  700  Yakimas. 

Some  of  these  estirnites  were  evidently  very  near 
the  truth,  especially  those  where  there  luid  been  a 
good  opportunity  for  observation.  Others  were  prob- 
ably too  large. 

But  they  have  dwindled  away.  Intemperance, 
licentiousness,  smallpox,  measles,  and  kindred  vices 
and  diseases  have  cut  them  off  with  great  rapidity. 
The  report  of  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  Affairs 
for  1892  gives  the  num])er  in  the  region  covered  by 
Mr.  Parker's  estimate  as  21, 057. 


h  f 


\9 

•  1 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE    MISSION  ESTAKLISHED. 


1838-48. 


■i 


THE  main  party  arrived  at  Dr.  Whitman's  Augjiist 
29,  1838,  and  the  rest  the  next  day.  On  Fri- 
day they  settled  with  their  lielp,  talked  about  the 
mission  outlook,  and  held  a  service  of  prayer  for 
guidance.  On  Saturday  the  whole  mission  began 
business,  and  in  their  business  meeting  assigned  Mr. 
Smith  to  Dr.  Whitman's  station,  Messrs.  Gray  and 
Rogers  to  Mr.  Spalding's,  and  voted  to  establish 
one  new  station  in  the  Flathead  country  to  b^^  occu- 
pied l)y  Messrs.  Walker  and  Eells.  The  new  arrivals 
also  joined  the  temperance  society. 

On  the  Sabbath  they  had  one  service  in  English, 
one  in  Indian,  and  observed  the  Lord's  Supper.  The 
new  missionaries  united  with  the  mission  church,  then 
composed  of  sevt»u  members,  making  sixteen  in  ail. 
This  church,  according  to  Dr.  Whitman,  was  Presby- 
terian in  name  but  Congregational  in  practice,  being 
connected  with  no  presbytery.  Mr.  Spalding  was 
past<»r  and  Dr.   Whitman  ruling  elder. 

Mr.  Smith,  after  wintering  at  Dr.  Whitman's,  opened 

82 


THK   MISSIOX  ESTAnUSIIRD. 


8:J 


a  now  station  the  next  spring  among  tlii^  Nez  Terces 
at  Kaiiii'ih.  There  he  remained  until  1811,  wiu'ii 
chielly  on  account  of  tlie  alarming  condition  of  Mrs. 
Smith's  health,  his  own  being  also  impaired,  and 
partly  also  because  he  did  not  altogether  agret^  with 
some  of  the  brethren  in  n^gard  to  the  management  of 
the  mission,  he  resigned  and  went  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands.  There  he  labored  as  a  missionary  until 
1845,  when  his  health  failed  and  he  returned  to  the 
United  States.' 

Mr.  C.  Rogers  taught  school  at  Mr.  Spalding's 
the  next  winter,  and  spent  considerable  time  at  that 
place  and  Dr.  Whitman's  until  1841,  journeying  with 
the  Indians  to  Fort  Hall  in  1839  and  to  the  Wil- 
lamette and  Puget  Sound  in  1840.  In  1841  he  too 
became  somewhat  dissatisfied,  and  resigned,  going  to 
the  Willamette  valley.     lie  wns  an  excellent  linguist.- 

Mr.  Gray  spent  the  winter  oi  l8.'J8-39  at  Mr. 
Spalding's,  and  after  that  explored,  and  lived  at  Mr. 
Spalding's  and  finally  at  Dr.  Whitman's  until  1842, 
when    he  resigned    for    the  same  reason    that   caused 

'The  rest  o.'  IiIh  life  until  18S3  was  spj-nt  In  Ma8sfichuH<!tts  ami 
ConnecUrut,  when  he  went  to  Sherwood,  Teiin.,  where  lie  or^ai:lz«-<l  a 
(Jo  igreKatlonal  church,  <;f  wlilch  he  wan  pastor  until  his  'Icalh  there, 
F';briiary  10,  lH-6,  In  the  seventy-Hixth  year  of  his  a^ije.  Mra.  Smith 
<ile(i  of  consumption  at  Buukland,  Mass.,  In  May,  lHi5,  a>,'e<l  forty one. 

"He  married  Miss  Satlra,  eldest  daughter  of  Uev.  1).  Leslie,  of  the 
Methodist  Mission,  and  very  soon  after,  with  her  and  four  olliers,  was. 
In  February,  1H4:1,  accidentally  carried  over  the  Willamette  Falls  ut 
Oregon  City  iind  drowned. 


;m 


n 


)» 


w 


• 


84 


FAT II  1:1:   EKLI.S. 


Mr.    HogcM's  to  do  ho,  and  moved   to  the  Willjiniette 
valley.' 

Mr.  Spaldiii;:;  remained  at  his  ])ost  until  after  the 
Wliitman  massacre  in  1H47.  Then  he  went  to  the 
Willamette,  and  remained  ehiellv  in  the  Ilalapoova 
region  until  l.S.')!).  After  that  he  returned  east  of 
the  Cascade  Mountains,  towards  his  former  Held,  and 
was  among  the  Nez  Perces  or  in  their  neighboriiood 
(tl 


le  governmc 


nt  ex(^luded  him  from   the    reservatio 


n 


a  large  share  of  the  time)  until  his  death,  August 
.'i,  liS7l,  at  the  age  of  nearlv  seventv-one.  During 
the  last  few  vears  of  his  life  he  leathered  much  fruit 
ajnong  the  Nez  IVrces  from  his  earlv  seed  sowin*;. 
Mrs.  Spalding  died  January  7,  I.S'jI,  her  death 
having  been  hastened  through  the  troubles  incident 
to  the  Whitman  massacre. 

Mr.  Walker  stayed  in  his  jnission  field  until  184S, 
when  the  (hmger  from  the  hostile  Cayuses  drove  him 
and  Mr.  Kells  from  their  field.  lie  lirst  went  to 
Oregon  Citv,  but  the  next  year  moved  to  Forest 
(Jrove,  where  he  died  November  21,  1.S77,  aged 
seventy-two.     His  life  was  spent  in  ministerial  work. 


Utll,' 


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9. 


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the 
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THE  MISSIOX  ESTABLISHED. 


85 


Of  all  that  luiHsioiisiry  bund  Mrs.  Walker  alone  sur- 
vives. Five  of  the  eight  ciiildreii  have  heeii  engaged 
in  wurk  among  the  Indians,  and  another  is  a  mis- 
sionary to  China. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman  fell  at  their  post  by  the 
hands  of  the  Cayuses  November  29,  1817,  he  at  the 
age  of  forty-live  and  she  thirty-nine. 

Messrs.  Walker  and  Kells,  having  l)een  appointed 
to  begin  a  new  station  among  the  Spokane  Indians, 
started  north  September  10,  1838,  to  locate  that 
station.  They  spent  the  first  Sabbath  among  the 
Spokane  Indians  at  Chewelah  (always  i)ronounced 
by  the  Indians  cha-welah).  Thence  they  pushed  on 
to  Fort  Colville,  forty  miles  further  north,  to  consult 
with  Mr.  Archibald  McDonald,  chief  factor  in  charge, 
as  to  the  best  location.  As  they  rode  over  a  hill,  in 
fair  sight  of  fort  and  valley,  they  saw  a  sight  which 
could  not  be  duplicated  east  of  the  Cascade  Moun- 
tains. It  was  the  most  important  farming  estal)lish- 
ment  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  in  all  the  upper 
country.'  It  produced  annually  about  four  thousand 
bushels  of  wheat,  besides  considerable  corn  and  vege- 
tables. There  was  also  a  large  herd  of  cattle,  then 
invaluable.     The  buildings,  domestic  animals,  planta- 


'  In  those  days  "upper  country"  was  a  common  term  and  meant  aU 
the  rejfion  east  of  the  Cascades  anil  drained  by  the  waters  of  the 
Upper  CohTiiibift,  while  "  lower  country  "  meant  Uie  Willamette  valley. 


' 

i 

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i 

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1 

!. 

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i 

i      i 

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Hf 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


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1.25 


|28 
1^ 


2.5 
2.2 


2.0 


1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


Pholographic 


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l^ciences 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


86 


FATIIEB  EELLS, 


I 


mi 


.    il 


tion,  and  fanning  operations  were  very  attractive,  and 
caused  Mr.  Walker  to  remark  :  "  A  city  under  a  liiil." 

Thev  were  received  very  kindly.  Mr.  INIcDonald 
was  a-)  intellijifent  Scotchman,  and  exceedinjijlv  kind  to 
the  missionaries  as  long  as  he  remained  in  charge, 
which  was  for  several  years.  Ilis  wife  was  a  native 
of  the  country,  hut,  according  to  Mr.  Eells,  was  a 
jewel  of  rare  excellence,  intelligent,  and  her  numer- 
ous children  were  a  living  testimony  to  her  maternal 
elliciency. 

For  three  or  four  nights  Messrs.  Walker  and  Eells 
remained  there  and  discussed  matters  of  importance. 
Mr.  McDonald  recommended  as  their  station  a  place 
called  Tshimakain,  now  Walker's  Prairie,  six  miles 
north  of  the  Spokane  liiver,  on  the  road  between 
Colville  and  Walla  Walla.  He  however  suggested  as 
worthy  of  consideration  a  place  on  the  Pen  d'Oreille 
Lake,  and  advised  them  to  look  at  it  before  deciding. 
They  did  so.  Going  there  first,  they  next  visited 
Tshimakain,  "  the  plain  of  springs."  They  decided 
on  the  latter  place,  as  it  was  the  home  of  the  chief. 
They  remained  there  some  time  to  do  what  they  could 
in  preparing  a  home.  Having  nothing  but  a  hatchet 
they  sent  to  Colville  for  two  Canadian  axes,  and  with 
these  and  Indian  help  they  cut  logs  about  twelve 
inches  in  diameter  and  fourteen  feet  long,  and  built 
two  log  pens  about  twenty  feet  apart  for  their  future 


:;  ii 

i:   II 


THE  MlSiSlON  EUTABLISHED. 


87 


homes.  As  winter  \v;i.s  upprojiehing  thev  did  not  sttiy 
to  cover  tlicni,  but  returned  to  Wtilhi  Walln  ])y  way  of 
Lapwiii,  having  been  absent  about  six  weeks. 

At  Dr.  Whitman's  during  that  winter  was  a  com- 
munity of  fifteen  persons :  Dr.  Whitman  and  wife, 
and  daughter  Alice ;  Messrs.  Smith,  Walker,  Eells, 
and  their  wives,  Margaret  McKay,  and  five  natives  of 
tiie  Sandwich  Islands,  then  in  tlie  employ  of  Dr. 
Whitman,  Joseph  and  iiis  wife  Maria,  Jack,  Mungo, 
and  Havia.  The  first  two  were  members  of  the  Sand- 
wich Island  church.  There,  too,  December  7,  1838, 
Cvrus  Hamlin  Walker  was  added  to  their  number, 
believed  to  be  the  first  American  white  boy  born  in 
Oregon,  as  it  then  was.  During  that  winter  at  Dr. 
AV^iitman's  considerable  time  was  spent  in  studying  the 
Flathead  language,  which  the  Spokane  Indians  used, 
under  the  noted  Nez  Perce  chief.  Lawyer,  who  was 
acquainted  with  it  as  well  as  with  Nez  Perce. 

In  the  autumn  of  1838,  when  Messrs.  Walker  and 
Kells  left  Tsliimakain,  they  made  arrangements  with 
some  Spokane  Indians  to  come  to  Dr.  Whitman's 
early  the  next  spring  to  assist  them  in  moving.  Late 
in  Fe])ruarv  came  the  chief  with  four  men  and  four 
women.  On  March  o,  exactly  one  year  after  eacii 
couple  had  been  nuirried,  they  started  again  to  finish 
their  bridal  tour.  In  the  journey  they  went  up  the 
west  side  of  the  Palouse  River,  where  the  scenery  iy 


M'H 


fl  ^'!l 


I 


88 


FATHER  EELLS. 


/i 


grand,  almost  frightful.  On  the  right  was  the  stream 
generally  flowing  rupidly  but  at  one  i)lace  falling  ai^out 
a  hundred  and  sixty  feet,  and  at  another,  about 
twelve  miles  from  its  mouth,  where  the  trail  leaves  the 
river,  dropping  ten  or  twelve  feet.  On  their  left  the 
basaltic  bluffs  towered  iuindreds  of  feet  almost  perpen- 
dicularlv,  wliile  on  the  other  side  sometimes  the  bluff 
below  was  as  far  between  them  and  the  river,  and 
sometimes  the  river  was  at  their  feet.  In  passing  this 
region  they  were  detained  one  day  by  snow  and 
another  because  of  a  kick  which  Mr.  Walker  received. 
On  the  20th  they  were  at  Tshimakain.  They  pitched 
their  tents  expecting  to  remain,  but  as  they  were 
nearly  out  of  provisions  they  sent  to  Fort  Colville  for 
more.  With  the  food  an  urgent  invitation  also  came 
from  Mr.  McDonald  requesting  the  ladies  and  baby  to 
partake  of  the  hospitalities  of  the  fort  until  the  men 
should  make  the  buildings  more  comfortable.  They 
did  so,  and  it  was  not  until  the  last  of  April  that  they 
returned  and  began  housekeeping,  and  were  ready  to 
receive  bridal  calls,  nearly  fourteen  months  after 
marriage.  These  houses  have  been  described  in  the 
previous  chapter. 

It  was  also  necessary  for  gardens  to  be  made.  The 
roughest  kind  of  a  homemade  plow  was  used  with 
a  harness  as  rough,  but  still  something  was  done. 
Yet  of  all  that  they  planted  their  wheat  and  potatoes 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


89 


■  i 


alone  ripened,  tlieir  corn  having  been  frost  killed  on 
Augnst  18.  Only  about  once  in  tiu'ec  years  could 
they  raise  corn  and  tender  vegetables,  some  years 
there  having  been  frost  every  month. 

It  WMS  also  necessary  to  learn  the  language.  They 
had  studied  it  some  at  Dr.  Whitnian's,  but  their  knowl- 
edge was  very  imperfect.  Two  words  they  found 
exceedingly  useful :  Stem  akivest  (What  name)  ?  This 
language  they  had  also  to  reduce  to  writing.  They 
did  so,   following  Pickering's  rules. 

The  Spokane  language  is  harsh  and  guttural.  One 
person  on  hearing  it  said:  "It  makes  me  think  of 
persons  husking  corn."  In  this  respect  it  is  very 
unlike  the  adjoining  Nez  Perce,  which  is  soft  and 
musical.  It  is  also  unlike  tiie  Ne/  Perce  in  its  use  of 
prepositions,  the  former  having  many  and  the  latter 
almost  none,  their  places  being  sui)plied  by  the 
inflections  of  the  verb. 

A  few  nouns  form  their  plurtd  by  reduplication,  and 
some  are  irregular.  For  example,  the  word  for  man, 
skul-tu-mi-hu^  becomes  in  the  plural  skul-skul-tu-mi-hii ; 
hand,  kal-lhh,  is  kil-kul-Ush ;  and  mountain,  ets-im- 
mo-ko,  is  ets-im  mo-ko-mo-ko ;  but  woman,  sem-aiv^  is 
jml-pil-kici  in  the  plural ;  and  tree,  sa-at-kly  is  sil-a-sil. 
The  plural  for  Indian,  skai-ln^  is  the  same,  and  that 
of  boy  is  expressed  by  a  numeral. 

There  are  no  comparatives  or  superlatives  among 


i:  ■  ■  :<■'. 


tM 


k^i 


10  PHI 


\H) 


FATIIKn    KKIJ.S. 


llu-  !ul jtM'livcs.  If  Iwo  lioiHcs  iiit'  |»Im('('(I  Hide  l>v  Hide, 
one  is  Itjid  ;m<l  llio  othci"  is  o;«)(ul  ;  hut  if  (ho  Itcllor  of 
llic  two  is  ('om|)M"iMl  with  miioIIht  still  hcttcr,  ii  Imm'ouioh 
1».M(1  nnd  tlu*  I.'Htcr  is  calltid  good. 

N()  inllcctioiis  or  cIimhucs  were  discovcnMl  to  in- 
dicMtc  m'rsoii,  niimlMT,  mood,  or  tense  }imoii}r  Ww. 
vt-rhs.  TIk'  words  for  I,  yon,  lie,  :uid  llu'  like  wcic, 
used  to  distinguish  piM'son. 

IMiniscs  Miv  viMV  (M)niinon,  hnl  not  componndcd 
iiccordinL!:  to  rnl(».  It  wms  immm'ssmtv  to  loMin  th(Mn  by 
tho  powtM"  of  nuMnoi  V,  :ind  those  in  n  ^rcsit  nu'Msnre 
tnko  th(*  i)hu'o  of  gnnnmnr.  In  tlicso  phrnscs  nniny 
oontractions  t:\ke  placo,  and  occasional  clianjjjcH  of 
IctlciH  cvidcntlv   f<»r  tin;  sake  of  euphony. 

The  hin«:;ua}:;e  of  the  SpoUan(\s  is  said  to  be  tlu' 
veritable  Flathead  lan<;ua<jje,  and  belonj^s  to  the  Sali- 
shan  faniilys  spoken  by  many  Indians,  though  not  by 
all  between  the  Paeitic  Ocean  and  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains  extendiuiz;  south  of  the  Columbia  and  north  a 
little  l>eyon(l  its  sources.  The  geography  of  this 
Salishan  family  covers  the  greater  portion  of  Washing- 
ton, southern  Idaho,  and  much  of  British  Columbia, 
though  other  families,  as  the  Saliaptian,  including 
the  Nez  IVrces  and  Yakima,  the  Waiilatpuan,  Chi- 
nookian,  Chimakuan,  Athapascan,  and  Wakasb.an, 
spoken  at  Noah  Hay,  are  also  used  by  the  Indians  of 
the  state.     The  five  hitter  families  are,  boweyer,  each 


I 


1 '-? 


77//';   MlS>S/ON   luSTMilJiSUKD. 


91 


UHcd  hy  M  very  limiU'd  miiiihor  of  IndisuiH  in  i\\v. 
sl.'ilr.  The  Spokiinc  l!m^ii!i<j;(?  hcciiih  to  Iimvc  Ichh 
rt'<jjiilMril y  mihI  ^r.Mmin.Mr  lli.'in  niMiiy  others  bcloii^injj; 
(o  (he  SmHsIimm  fnmilv,  (^Mpcciullv  tlioHt^  on  Pujicol 
Sttund,  MS  Mil?   NiH(in:dly,  Tumiih,  jiikI  (/hdlam. 

INlr.  ImIis  ^ivi's  the  followiii«^  stiitiniuMit  jihoiit  tho 
lliilliMiing  of  the  skull  which  ^\\\v,  riso  to  the  t(M'm 
I'MMtiuMid  :  '''I'iie  nrtilicial  form  w:is  re<»;:ii(hMl  sis  henii- 
lifui,  Jiud  the  uristoeniey  were  distinguished  by  havin;^ 
such  sirtilici.'dly  formed  hesids,  while  in  reproiicii  tlie 
nsitnrul  form  was  called  '  turnip  hejid.'  " 

A  school  was  jilso  kept  in  Indian,  the  lessons  being 
prepared  on  paper,  hunu;  up  on  the  side  of  the  house 
and  read  and  recited  in  concert.  Mu(^h  interest  was 
taken  in  the  school  for  a  time,  the  Indians  jj;oin<; 
thronyh  the  same  lessons  afttuvvard  by  themselves 
with  one  of  their  own  number  as  teacher.  About 
1812  a  small  book  of  sixteen  panes  was  published  by 
the  mission  press  at  La[)wai  which  aided  the  school 
materially. 

Packin<]j  occupied  considerable  time  —  more  than 
could  well  be  spared,  but  it  was  imperative  to  have 
food,  clothes,  and  the  like,  to  <;o  to  mill  and  get  i\\n 
mail.  They  tried  to  substitute  Indian  help  in  this 
work,  but  when  left  alone  the  Indians  were  so  careless 
that  they  destroyed  too  nmch  property,  and  that 
method  was  abandoned.     Kven  with  some  one  to  watch 


i.i 


H;11 


! 


92 


FATHER  EELLS. 


them  there  was  sometimes  sad  breakage.  Some  of 
Mr.  Eells'  kind  scliolars  in  the  East  sent  him  a  port- 
able writing  desk  and  bookcase.  It  came  around  Cape 
Horn  and  by  water  up  the  Cohimbia  to  WalUila  with  a 
bass  viol  and  other  articles.  In  taking  it  from  Wal- 
lula  one  stopping  place  was  Little  Palouse  Falls.  An 
Indian  used  these  articles  as  a  hitching  post  while 
packing.  The  mule  was  restless  and  ran  away,  taking 
the  desk  with  him.  Against  the  rocks  it  went  thump, 
thump,  thump !  until  it  was  demolished.  It  seemed 
unrea8onal)le  to  rebuke  the  Indian  sharply  for  such  a 
ruinous  act  when  unintentional.  Moreover  Mr.  Eells 
was  too  sad  to  say  much.  He  simply  remarked,  "  Tia'* 
(it  is  bad),  and  gathered  up  the  fragments. 

The  large  amount  of  time  spent  in  manual  labor  was 
not,  however,  all  lost.  It  helped  the  missionaries  to 
become  acquainted  with  Indian  ways,  which  was  very 
necessary.  It  also  gave  the  Indians  examples  of 
industry  and  aided  in  civilizing  and  elevating  them. 

Religious  instruction  was  given  through  an  inter- 
preter. A  simple  passage  of  the  Bible  was  explained 
to  one  of  the  more  intellectual  and  teachable  In- 
dians beforehand.  In  public  worship  he  acted  as 
rehearser,  speaking  after  the  teacher  and  improving 
on  his  language. 

In  a  few  years  this  branch  of  the  mission,  while 
showing  less  that  was  encouraging,  also  showed  less 


T-^ 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


93 


of  a  diaconratring  nature  than  any  otlior  station.  It 
moved  more  evenly.  Lapwai  had  congregations  of 
one  or  two  thousands,  a  great  revival,  and  a  scliool  of 
several  hundred,  and  vet  Rev.  A.  H.  Smith  abandoned 
Kamiah  partly  because  of  ill  treatment  from  the 
Indians.  Mr.  Spalding  also  was  greatly  troubled  by 
them.  At  last  an  order  even  was  issued  bv  the  Board 
to  discontinue  the  stations  at  Lapwai  and  Waiilatpu, 
though  the  order  was  countermanded  when  Dr.  Whit- 
man went  East  in  1842. 

Of  the  Indians  here  and  the  labor  among  them,  Mr. 
Eells,  under  date  of  February  25,  1840,  gives  the 
following  account : ' 

*'"We  are  advancing  slowly  in  the  acquisition  of  the 
language,  though  as  yet  our  knowledge  of  it  is  very 
limited.  Respecting  the  question.  What  language  is  it 
expedient  to  make  use  of  as  a  medium  of  communica- 
tion ?  we  have  but  one  opinion  since  learning  the  result 
of  efforts  to  teach  English  to  the  Nez  Perces.  It  is 
perhaps  absolutely  impossible  to  give  this  people  a 
correct  knowledge  of  the  English  language.  If  it 
were  necessary,  I  would  adduce  facts  to  prove  tliis 
point.  The  Flathead  and  the  Nez  Perces  languages 
are  distinct.  Their  philological  construction  is  wholly 
unlike.  We  have  not  been  able  to  tind  any  one  word 
common  to  both  languages. 

1  Miasiouary  Herald,  1840,  p.  437. 


y; 


MS'l'U 


:% 


jT 


94 


FATllEll  SELLS. 


I     t 


"Your  letter  to  Dr.  Whitman,  together  with  Mr. 
Pickering'H  essay  respecting  the  orthography  of  Indian 
hmguages,  has  been  our  guide  in  i)reparing  an  alpha- 
bet. We  have  found  no  occasion  to  deviate  from  our 
instructions  in  this  particular. 

"Taking  this  place  as  the  center  of  a  circle  whose 
radius  shall  not  exceed  sixty  miles,  it  will  include  a 
population  of  near  two  thousand  souls,  nine  tenths  of 
^uom  rarely,  if  ever,  leave  the  above-specified  ground 
for  a  length  of  time,  unless  it  be  for  a  few  weeks  in 
the  spring.  There  are  five  or  six  bands,  each  of  which 
has  particular  lands  which  they  call  theirs,  and  where 
they  pass  a  portion  of  each  year.  So  far  as  I  can 
learn  they  are  somewhat  regular  in  their  removings. 
If  in  this  respect  the  last  year  be  a  fair  specimen,  we 
shall  have  no  great  difficulty,  at  almost  any  time,  in 
knowing  where  to  find  a  good  collection. 

"  In  April  a  large  number  met  in  one  plain  to  dig  a 
root  called  j^ojm.  In  May  they  returned  to  this  place, 
and  after  remaining  a  few  weeks  moved  to  a  large 
camass  plain,  ten  miles  from  us.  The  camass  is  their 
most  substantial  root.  It  remains  good  from  May  till 
the  next  March.  In  June  salmon  begin  to  go  up  the 
Spokane  River,  which  passes  within  six  miles  of  our 
house.  At  first  a  barrier  was  constructed  near  some 
falls,  ten  miles  from  this  place  and  perhaps  fifteen  miles 
from  the  camass  grounds.    At  that  place  salmon  were 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


95 


,  1 


taken  only  during  high  water,  and  then  not  In  large 
quantities,  as  the  barrier  extended  only  a  part  of  the 
way  aeross  the  river.  While  the  men  and  hoys  were 
employed  at  the  salmon,  the  women  were  digging  and 
preparing  eamass,  and  daily  horses  passed  between  the 
two  places,  loaded  both  ways,  so  that  all  could  share 
in  both  kinds  of  food.  As  the  water  fell  another  bar- 
rier was  built  farther  down,  extending  across  the  entire 
river;  and  when  completed  men,  women,  and  children 
made  a  general  move  to  the  place.  If  I  judged  cor- 
rectly, 1  saw  there  at  one  time  near  one  thousand  per- 
sons, and  the  number  was  rapidly  increasing.  From 
four  to  eight  hundred  salmon  were  taken  in  a  day, 
weighing  variously  from  ten  to  forty  pounds  apiece. 
When  they  ceased  to  take  salmon,  about  the  first  of 
August,  they  returned  to  the  eamass  ground,  where  they 
remained  till  October,  and  then  began  to  make  prep- 
arations for  taking  the  poor  salmon  as  they  went  down 
the  river.  During  this  month  they  were  very  much 
scattered,  though  not  very  remote  from  each  other. 
In  November  they  went  to  their  wintering  places. 

"  From  March  to  November  our  congregations 
varied  from  thirty  to  one  hundred,  not  more  than  one 
half  of  whom  usually  remained  with  us  during  the 
week.  They  often  came  ten,  fifteen,  and  sometimes 
thirty  miles  on  Saturday  and  returned  again  on  Monday. 
Since  November  nearly  two  hundred  have  remained 


.ill 


T    ni 


wr 


!Mi 


hwrnF.n  i:h:i.i.s. 


(ifi 


with  lis  nlmosl  ('ohhImiiIIv.  In  Mdditioii  1<>  iliOHi;  jiist 
iiu'iilioiHMl,  llirrc  li;ivt»  l)«M>n  riT(|ii('nt  viHil,(H'H  from 
M»'i^lil)oriiio  IciimIs,  comiiii:;  in  v.'iriouH  ininiltcrH,  I'lnni 
Www  or  four  to  sixty  at  ji  time  'I'lioy  nsmilly  spoml 
one  (»r  two  wi'iks  nnd  \\w\\  return. 

"  Wo  IiMvc  li:il)itUMlIy  cnnduiitiMl  worsiiip  with  thorn 
nu)rnin«:;  Mud  ovoninii,  wlion  wo  rond  ti  portion  of 
Scripturt's  :ind,  ho  '(wy  ns  w(^  mii'  ;d)h',  oxplnin  it,  sin^', 
Mud  pray.  On  tlu'  Saljhath  wo  havo  lia«l  throo  Horvicos. 
WliiU'  tho  wiMllior  oontinuod  warm,  th(>  plaoo  for  wor- 
ship was  undtM"  sonio  pino  troos  ;  hut  as  it  hooamo  oohl 
a  houso  w.as  proparod  ontiroly  by  tho  pooplo,  oxprossly 
for  worship.  It  rosonji)ios  somowhat  in  form  tlio  roof 
of  a  liouso  in  Now  Kn«>land,  inaivin«»;  tho  an<!;U'  at  tlio 
top  much  smrdh'r  than  that  of  most  nuxUMn  Iiousoh. 
Tl»o  framo  is  niado  of  poU's  four  or  livo  inohos  in 
diamotor,  and  covorod  with  rush  mats.  Moat  of  the 
Indian  housos  iuMt>  aro  maih'  in  tho  samo  way. 

*'  For  want  of  a  tlu)rou<;h  accpiaintanoo  with  tlio  lan- 
ouaiio,  nuuh  of  tho  instruct  ion  oonnnunioatod  has 
rolatod  to  Sorii)turo  history,  tlu)U«2;h  I  think  wo  havo 
not  faiUnl  to  Ljivo  thom  somo  oorroct  idoas  rospcetin*; 
tlio  cliaraotor  of  God,  tho  fallen  state  of  man,  the 
doctrine  oi  the  atonement  uud  regeneration,  and  tho 
necessity  of  repentance  and  faith  in  Christ  to  secure 
salvation.  It  is  strictly  true  that  they  must  have  'line 
upon  line ' ;    every  new  idea  luust  be  repeated  many 


rilK  MISSIOS    ICSTMIUSIIKI). 


07 


timcH.  'V\\v  iH'jircr  our  h'.'icliiii;^  .•ipproiiclics  to  S;ih- 
l>:itli-H<'li<M)l  iiiHtniclion,  iippropriMtc  for  stiiiill  cliildrcn. 
ilic  lu'tlcr  it  'iH  iiiulcrHtood.  'I'liis  jn'oph'  mic  slow  to 
believe  Uuit,  Mm-  religion  W(!  Icneli  extciidM  fiiillicr  Hum 
to  the  exlernal  ('oikIiicI.  They  winli  to  lt<'li(»ve  tliut, 
to  MliHtjtiii  from  groHH  hIii  mikI  iillriid  to  !i  form  of  wor- 
Hliip  is  nil  tiiiit  \h  iieceHH.'irv  to  lit  them  for  liraven. 

'''I'here  Iimh  UHUJilly  hec^n  j^ood  jittciition  (liirin<^  the 
tiin«  of  worship.  At  llrst  the  !ipp(Nir!iiice  He<'me<l  to 
indicjite  ii  desire  to  he.'ir  somethiii<^  new.  Of  lut(!  f 
have  pereeived  wlwit  I  thought  (  he  a  little  ehaujjje, 
upproxiiusiting  towjinl  u  dispoHitioa  to  listen  as  to  im- 
poi'tant  truth,  thou<j;h  I  am  'Jtlij^ed  to  suy  as  yet  the 
NVord  spoken  Mp[)ears  to  fall  i)owe»'less,  produciiijj;  no 
deep  and  permanent  elTeet  upon  the  inward  man.  I 
have  not  been  able  to  learn  that  they  have  any  leali/- 
injj;  seubc  of  the  odious  nature  of  sin,  or  of  moral 
obligation. 

"  During  the  last  week  in  November  a  sehool  was 
opened.  A',  (irst  it  was  composed  of  little  more  than 
thirty  members,  ])ut  has  l)een  gradually  increasing  so 
that  it  now  nuni})ers  more  than  cightv.  The  attend- 
ance  is  very  regular.  The  schoolhouse  and  house  for 
worship  are  the  same.  Progress  in  teaching  must 
necessarily  be  slow  till  a  better  knowledge  of  the  lan- 
guage shall  be  obtained  and  l)Ooks  be  prepared.  As 
yet  all  the  printing  has  been  done  with  the  pen. 


'M 


m; 


I! 


\'X 


«t 


w 


iii 


i# 


f 

'•'  SI  ^ii¥^*^. 

«■ 

1 

B^H 

1 

^^M 

M^HV 

m 


98 


FATHER  EELLS, 


"The  method  of  teaching  resembles  somewhat  that 
practiced  by  Mr.  Mason,  of  Boston,  with  his  juvenile 
class  in  music.  There  is  certainly  no  want  of  ability 
to  learn.  The  interest  and  pleasure  manifested  in  this 
exercise  are  truly  commendable.  Probably  much  of 
it  should  be  attributed  to  novelty.  My  opinion  is  that 
our  chief  efforts  should  be  with  the  children.  What 
the  result  of  teaching  will  be  we  are  utterly  unable  to 
predict.  It  can  hardly  be  expected  that  the  present 
desire  to  be  taught  will  remain  unabated.  We  hope 
with  trembling.  Judging  from  the  past  it  would  not 
be  strange  if  our  hopes  respecting  the  school  should 
be  suddenly  blasted. 

"  Respecting  the  Indian  character  I  will  only  say  that 
I  think  a  missionary  on  his  first  acquaintance  with  them 
will  be  inclined  to  judge  quite  too  favorably,  and  give 
an  extravagant  account  of  their  readiness  to  receive 
the  gospel.  That  error  in  this  respect  has  been  com- 
mitted is  very  evident,  but  it  should  not  be  thought 
strange  ;  for  so  great  is  the  danger  of  being  deceived 
that  I  am  almost  afraid  to  say  anything  on  this  point, 
even  after  having  been  among  them  more  than  a  3'ear. 

"In  relation  to  the  future  prospects  of  the  mission 
I  do  not  feel  competent  to  express  an  opinion.  I 
consider  it  very  unfortunate  that  so  much  precipi- 
tancy has  characterized  some  of  its  proceedings,  but 
hope  we  shall  learn  wisdom  for  the  future. 


THE  MISSIOX  ESTABLISHED. 


99 


"  Some  itinerant  labor  ought  to  be  performed.  It  is 
vain  to  expect  that  the  habits  of  these  natives  to  a 
great  extent  will  be  suddenly  changed.  Agricultural 
pursuits  should  be  encouraged,  but  years  must  elapse 
before  they  can  become  general.  I  hazard  nothing  in 
saying  that  if  abundance  of  corn  and  potatoes  were 
furnished  them,  thev  would  not  be  satisfied  without 
some  of  their  accustomed  roots.  Attempts  at  cultivat- 
ing have  been  made  by  some  of  the  Indians  near  us, 
])ut  the  last  season  was  particularly  unfavorable. 
There  was  frost  on  the  morning  of  the  fifteenth  of 
May,  and  again  on  August  20.  The  drouth  was  so 
severe  that  the  potato  crop  failed  almost  entirely.  The 
nights  during  the  summer  were  generally  cold.  Some- 
times there  were  fifty  degrees  difference  between  the 
temperature  of  the  day  and  the  night.  There  are 
places  near  us  where  there  is  frost  in  midsummer. 
The  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  have  been  08°  a])ove 
and  5°  below  zero.  Snow  or  rain  has  fallen  during 
almost  every  week  since  the  first  of  November.  I 
think  not  one  day  in  four  has  been  pleasant  weather. 
Our  poor  houses  have  been  hardly  suflicient  to  piotect 
us  from  the  storms,  though  our  health  has  not  mate- 
rially suffered  from  this  exposure." 

The  next  winter  Mr.  Eells  lost  much  by  fire.  His 
own  account  of  it,  dated  March  8,  1840,  is  as  follows: ' 

1  Missionary  HeraW,  1841,  p.  435. 


n 


r!."l 


n. 


^  1 


1! 


100 


FATHER  EELLS. 


"On  the  morning  of  January  11  we  met  with 
a  heavy  loss.  While  engaged  in  family  worship  our 
house  took  fire,  and  being  mostly  lined  with  rush  mats 
and  having  no  inside  doors,  except  cloths  hung  up, 
tlie  Hame  spread  so  rapidly  that  it  went  througli  every 
pnrt  of  the  building  before  an  article  was  removed. 
After  the  first  flash  had  passed  such  things  as  were  in 
boxes  were  mostlv  saved.  But  Ijefore  anvthing  was 
taken  out  the  greater  part  of  the  more  valuable  prop- 
erty which  the  house  contained  w^as  nearly  destroyed, 
such  as  library,  writing  desks,  clock,  watch,  two  beds 
and  bedding,  much  personal  clothing,  a  quantity  of 
Indian  goods,  tinware,  riding  and  pack  saddles, 
traveling  apparatus,  etc.  Our  food  was  mostly  saved. 
The  walls  of  the  house,  built  of  rough  logs,  were  not 
essentially  injured,  except  in  being  badly  charred 
upon  the  inside. 

"  You  will  not  understand  me  as  saying  that  all 
which  I  have  specified  was  wholly  consumed.  Some 
things  were  only  half  burned,  though  in  many  cases 
what  was  saved  is  of  little  or  no  value.  A  few  arti- 
cles may  be  repaired.  The  greater  loss  is  the  library. 
A  relic  of  almost  every  book  is  left.  Little  more 
than  the  covers  of  a  Tew  are  essentially  injured,  while 
of  others  there  is  not  an  entire  page  remaining. 

"  At  the  time  that  the  fire  commenced  the  mercury 
in  the  thermometer  stood   at  8J°  below   zero.    The 


W$ 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


101 


conduct  of  the  natives  on  this  occasion  was  very  com- 
mendable. As  soon  as  the  ahirm  was  given  almost  tiie 
whole  camp  came  to  our  assistance,  and  considering 
that  it  was  the  first  fire  of  the  kind  they  ever  saw, 
they  did  admirably  well.  Generally  the  honesty  ex- 
hibited in  restoring  small  articles  which  might  have 
been  easily  concealed  was  very  pleasing. 

"  Mr.  McDonald,  who  is  in  charge  at  Fort  Colville, 
on  hearing  of  our  misfortune,  unasked  disi)atched  four 
men  immediately,  who  soon  made  our  house  habit- 
able. Two  gentlemen  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company, 
Messrs.  McLean  and  McPherson,  volunteered  their 
services  to  assist  in  whatever  was  necessary  to  be 
done,  and  came  at  the  same  time  with  the  men,  or 
rather  led  the  march.  Al'i  camped  upon  the  ground 
when  the  mercury  must  have  been  not  less  thun  10° 
below  zero,  and  the  snow  from  six  inches  to  one  foot 
in  depth.  This  is  but  a  specimen  of  the  unvaried 
kindness  shown  us  by  the  gentlemen  of  the  company 
with  which  we  have  had  no  particular  intercourse 
or  connection." 

As  to  mission  prospects  Mr.  Eells  added  :  — 
"During  the  past  winter  nearly  two  hundred  and 
fifty  Indians  have  been  encamped  by  us.  As  has  been 
usual  since  we  first  came  here  so  now  there  is  good 
external  attention  to  religious  worship.  If  we  judge 
correctly,  there  has  been   a  marked  increase  in  the 


m 


'iM'Mi 


i  Hi 


4MiP  -I 


; 

.1 

!  j 


i  v?« 


\M 


m 
•I 


f 


102 


FATIIEJi  EELLS. 


r{i 


;'     « 

;: 


l\novvlc(.lj»'e  of  divino  truth.  This  i.s  especially  true  of 
the  chief  mentioned  in  the  Ilenild  ])v  the  name  of 
Big  Head.  It  has  been  a  rather  general  impression 
among  the  best-informed  Indians  that  thieves,  gam- 
blers, Sabbath  breakers,  and  such  like  will  go  to  a 
place  of  misery  when  they  die,  but  that  such  as  are 
not  guilty  of  open  vices,  and  attend  to  a  form  of 
worship,  will  go  above.  We  have  labored  much  to 
correct  this  and  kindred  errors,  and  unless  we  greatly 
mistake,  our  labor  has  not  been  in  vain.  The  lanmiagc 
of  tlie  chief  is :  *  I  formerly  thought  my  heart  was 
good,  but  I  now  see  it  is  not.'  Respecting  the  wick- 
edness of  the  heart  his  expressions  are  at  times  forci- 
ble, lie  says  to  his  people :  '  We  are  full  of  all 
manner  of  wickedness  —  are  covered  up  in  our  sins. 
They  hold  us  like  strong  cords.  One  thing  must  be 
done.  Our  hearts  must  be  changed  or  we  shall  go 
below  when  we  die.'  Some  are  respectful  and  atten- 
tive to  our  instructions,  evidently  with  the  hope  of 
obtaining  from  us  some  pecuniary  reward. 

"The  school  has  been  taught  fourteen  weeks.  It 
commenced  the  last  of  November.  The  whole  number 
of  pupils  who  have  attended  has  not  varied  much  from 
seventy,  though  the  average  number,  I  think,  has  been 
about  fifty.  As  was  expected  novelty  had  its  influence 
in  causing  some  to  attend  for  a  time  who  have  since 
fallen  off.    A  few  of  the  older  members  have  been 


THE  MISSION  ENTAIIIJSIIED, 


103 


necessarily  absent  so  much  tliat  tliey  have  fallen 
hchii;-^  those  much  vounurer  than  themselves,  and,  as 
1  suppose  on  account  of  shame,  have  ceased  to  attend. 
'IM»e  manifest  interest  in  the  school,  both  among  the 
parents  and  cliildren,  is  as  great  as  can  reasonably 
be  expected.  Instruction  has  been  given  in  reading, 
spelling,  arithmetic,  and  music.  The  proficiency  gen- 
erally made  by  the  school  has  been  quite  satisfactory 
to  the  teachers.  I  have  been  agreeably  surprised  at 
the  readiness  with  which  correct  answers  have  been 
given  to  questions  relating  to  numbers.  They  arc 
passionately  fond  of  music.  This  has  occupied  only 
a  secondary  place  in  teaching,  though  my  own  opinion 
is  that  it  may  be  made  use  of  as  a  powerful  instru- 
ment in  the  moral  training  of  the  children.  One 
thing  is  certain  ;  they  will  spend  much  time  in  singing 
and  it  is  very  desirable  that  liu!  lewd  songs  now  in  use 
should  be  exchanged  as  s[)eedily  as  possible  for  those 
of  a  different  character." 

The  above  letter  speaks  of  music.  It  may  be 
added  that  a  blackboard  for  teaching  music  was  made 
by  pasting  strips  of  paper  on  the  board  to  indicate  the 
live  lines  of  the  staff ;  a  blacking  made  of  soot  and 
skim-milk  was  applied  to  the  l)oard,  the  paper  was 
torn  off,  and  the  board  was  complete.  Thus  they 
were  taught  to  sing  bv  note. 

The  iirst  attempt  to  guide  liieni  iu  sacred  song  was 


\ 


(■•It 


iif 


I 


n'    i 


^1 


f  * 


1: 


104 


FATlIEli  EELLS, 


in  the  use  of  the  doxology.  Then*  compass  of  voice 
was  such  that  they  were  able  to  sing  it  in  three 
octaves  in  the  key  of  F.  Tlien  Mr.  Eells  made  the 
following  hymn  and  tune,  the  only  religious  one  in 
that  language  so  far  as  the  writer  knows. 


ill 


:i=4-:=5): 


^ — 1 


-<5>- 


■^- 


--1^-:-- 


Lam  -  a-lem,    on  -    a -we     Je 
Thanks  .    .         thee  ...  Je 


ho 
ho 


vah, 
vah. 


^m 


-i9 


E^^^z 


Kain  -  pe  -  la 
We  .... 


tas       ka  -  leel,    kait  -    si  -  ah 
not  .   .      dead,       We  .   .       all 


r- 

P   0^-^. 

:t^ 

1 1 

t> 

M^^^ 

— > — — — 

9-  . 

¥ 

— sJ 

wheel    -    a    -  wheel.          Kain    -    pe    -    la 
a      -        -      live.  We 


t 


d- 


^i 


:±:: 


ets    -  in 

sing  .    . 


ko 


nam 


kaits 

We  . 


chow. 
pray. 


*   1 

I 

^  :;•  1 

.    ;» 

r 

1 

:  :,     i 

This  has  been  very  popular  and  is  still  sung  with 
earnestness  by  those  Indians.  Mr.  McLean,  of  the 
Hudson's  Bay  Company,  said  that  he  had  heard 
the  Indians  singing  it  on  the  tops  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 

The  next  winter  was  so  severe  that  only  about  fifty 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


105 


Indians  remained  near  the  station.  What  could  be 
done  was  done  to  teach  the  few  children  there.  Pub- 
lic worship  was  conducted  three  times  each  Sabbath 
and  twice  during  the  week.  There  was  respectful 
attention  to  religious  instruction.  Many  knew  their 
duty,  but  did  it  not. 

During  the  year  ending  March  1,  1841,  Mr.  Eells 
traveled  for  the  station  twelve  hundred  miles  on 
horse) )ack,  work  which  took  him  from  home  fifty- 
seven  days.  He  also  went  more  than  four  hundred 
miles  to  teach  the  Indians,  which  took  him  from  home 
twenty-three  days  more.  On  some  of  these  trips  sick 
Indians  thronged  him,  appearing  to  think  he  had  med- 
icine to  cure  every  ill.  At  last  he  was  obliged  to  tell 
them  that  white  people  were  sick  and  died,  notwith- 
standing the  fact  that  they  were  attended  by  skillful 
physicians.  This  confession  obtained  a  respite  from 
their  entreaties.  A  few  Indians  were  seen  wearing 
the  papal  cross. ^ 

During  that  winter  besides  the  school  at  the  station, 
which  numbered  only  eleven,  another  was  kept  up  five 
miles  distant  which  had  twenty-two  scholars,  and  was 
visited  by  some  one  from  the  mission  almost  daily .^ 

After  this  the  school  continued,  but  seldom  num- 
bered more  than  fifteen  ;  yet  progress  was  made. 

•Missionary  Herald,  184.<,  p.  81. 

2  Annual  Ucport  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.,  1843,  p.  171. 


r!l: » 


'M 


„,  ,:? 


nipr 


lOG 


FATIIhin   KELLS. 


Moro  hihor  iluin  iisiinl,  too,  whh  porforniod  for  ilio 
oldor  IndisiiiH.  Novor  lu'foro  lisul  tlicrii  boon  linlf  mh 
much  (loju»  for  tluMii,  and  never  hefon*  whh  ho  njiicli 
trouble  experienced  or  sihuHe  received.  In  proportion 
to  tlie  compassion  bestowed  and  labor  rendered  they 
vexed  and  tritul  their  teacherH.  Still  there  was  satis 
faction  in  the  consciousness  of  havini^  tried  to  do 
them  good.  Tiie  missionaries  were  armed  with  an 
answer  when  tauntingly  asked  what  thoy  had  ever 
done  for  the  Indians  ;  and  they  cherished  hope  that 
in  due  time  fruit  would  appear.' 

In  the  autumn  of  l<sr2  began  the  cvor-memorable 
journey  of  Dr.  Whitman  to  the  East  in  order  to  do 
what  he  could  to  save  Oregon  to  the  United  States, 
as  well  as  to  attend  to  missionary  business.  The 
history  of  it  belongs  to  the  life  of  Dr.  Whitman 
and  the  history  of  Oregon  and  Washington.  It 
has  been  thoroughlv  discussed  by  the  writer  in 
hid  "History  of  Indian  Missions,"  and  by  other 
writers  in  various  books  and  newspapers.  Hence  it 
will  be  necessary  to  speak  here  only  of  Dr.  Eells' 
connection  with  it. 

Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding  was  about  the  first  person  to 
make  known  the  fact  of  Dr.  AVhitman's  going  east 
on  a  political  errand.  Dr.  0.  H.  Atkinson  learned 
of  it,  and  believed  that  this  work  ought  to  be  set  to 

>  Missiouai-y  lieraM,  1844,  p.  386. 


* 


77//';  Mfssmiv  h:sTAit/js'iH':/K 


107 


tiio  (M'cdit  of  iniHHiouK.  II(>  hh'u]  ho  piihlicly.  In  liis 
joiiriH'y  cmhI,  in  \HVtl'}  lu;  told  tin'  Ht'crclaricH  of  llic 
AniLM'icjiu  Hojinl  Muit  vvliih;  tlu^y  had  Iummi  ricciiHtomcd 
to  look  upon  their  On^^roii  niiHHion  sih  n  fuilnrc,  it 
WJIH  Ji  j!;nind  kuccosh.  Tlu^y  wiu't;  very  Hkcpticid,  nnd 
thought  that  iniiny  extr:iv:i<r:int  aHHurtionu  liud  Ix'cik 
made  about  Whitman's  achiovomcnt.  Dr.  Atkin.son 
replied:  "Write  to  Dr.  Eells,  aw  you  know  him  to  be 
careful  in  his  statements,  and  are  a(;eustomed  to  rely 
on  what  he  says."  Secretary  S.  15.  'I'reat  did  so. 
Dr.  Kells,  under  date  of  May  28,  18f;G,  made  a  full 
statement,  whi(!h  was  published  in  the  December  num- 
ber of  The  Missionary  Herald.  In  it  are  the  follow- 
ing statements  :  — 

**  The  Hudson's  Ray  Company  at  an  early  day 
was  aware  of  the  existence  of  mineral  <leposits  in 
that  portion  of  Orejijon  clainuul  ])()t,li  by  Kn<jjland  and 
the  United  States.  Jf  I  remember  correctly,  I  had 
not  been  long  in  this  country  before  the  statement 
was  made  that  gold  had  been  found  on  the  Columbia 
River,  taken  to  England,  made  into  a  watch  seal, 
brought  back  here,  and  worn  by  a  gentleman  con- 
nected with  the  Hudson's  Hay  Company.  In  those 
early  days  Dr.  Whitman  made  in  my  hearing  the  fol- 
lowing statement :  — 

"*  There  is  no  doubt  that  this  country  a])ounds  in 
the  precious  metals.     In  the  autumn  or  early  winter  of 


\\ 


r^TT 


108 


FATirKli   EF.LLS. 


Hi 


1813  SI  r»(»niijin  ])()tjini8t  wsiH  (nivolin<i;  witli  oniplovos 
of  \\\\}  Iliidson's  Bay  Coinpsinv,  Jiiul,  luiviii^  litul  Homo 
knowlodjijc  of  mining:;  opcnitioiiH  in  (Jennnny,  ho  ox- 
prossod  to  liis  follow  truvelors  tho  o[)iin()n  that  pro- 
cious  motals  oxistod  in  :i  doHignntod  locality.  IIo  wjih 
partioularly  intorro<j;:itod  jus  to  tho  roaHons  for  siioh  an 
opinion  ;  and  whon  thoy  woro  satisflod  that  it  was  an 
intolligont  oonclnsion  thoy  ropliod :  '  Wo  know  such 
to  bo  tho  oaso  from  actnal  invostij^ation.'  Hut  whilo 
tho  rosouroos  of  tho  conn  try  woro  moaMurably  appro- 
ciatod',  spooial  otTort  was  niado  to  produco  tho  improH- 
aion  that  the  country  was  of  small  valuo  and  that 
much  of  it  was  worthless.' 

''Previous  to  1843,  ]\Irs.  McDonald,  at  Fort  Col- 
villo,  had  a  collection  of  mineral  specimens,  a  portion 
of  which  she  presented  to  Mrs.  Kolls.  These  were 
shown  to  Dr.  Whitman  on  his  return  in  1843.  They 
attracted  considerable  attention,  but  there  were  uo 
means  at  liand  to  ascertain  their  value. 

"In  entire  accordance  with  such  representations, 
Chief  Factor  A.  McDonald  expressed  himself  dis- 
tinctly and  fully  to  me.  lie  also  gave  it  as  his  opin- 
ion that  if  England  should  obtain  the  desired  portion 
of  Oregon  (then  including  Washington  Territory),  it 
would  be  made  over  to  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company. 
In  1842,  if  I  mistake  not,  the  same  gentleman  asked 
mo  who,  fifty  years  hence,  would   probably  compose 


77/ A'    MhSSIOX   lUSTMihlSIIKl), 


109 


tlu>  inli:il)il.Miits  of  this  coiintrv.  II(^  iuiswcrcd  iIm; 
(iiicstioM  liiiiiscir  i»v  s.'iviiiy:  Hnl)sl:mti!illv,  '  Tlu'  dc- 
scoiuImiiIs  of  tli(^  Hudson's  Iljiv  Compjinv.'  Dr.  Wliit- 
iu:in  s.'iid,  with  reference  to  tlu?  Hjiine  class  of  persons 
(of  mixed  bloocl)  :  '  Fifty  years  hence  tiiey  will  not,  he 
found.'  Dr.  Whitman  understood,  with  a  ^^ood  de- 
o;ree  of  correctness,  apparently,  that  it  was  the  plan 
of  the  Hudson's  Hay  (■onijjany  to  secure  this  (country 
to  tlu^  Kn<i;lish  tjoverninent.  Undouhtediv  he  ft^it 
stroni^ly  in  reference  to  this  suhject.  At  that  time  his 
missionary  associates  iudured  that  he  was  disturbed  to 
an  unwarrantable  dcjjjree.  The  result  has  furnished 
accumulative  evidence  that  there  was  sullicient  reason 
for  determined  earnestness  on  his  part. 

"An  unyltjldin^  i)urpose  waw  formed  by  Dr.  Whit- 
man to  go  East.  The  mission  Avas  called  together  to 
consider  whether  or  not  its  approval  could  be  given 
to  the  proposed  undertaking.  Mr.  Walker  and  myself 
were  decidedly  opposed,  and  we  yielded  only  when  it 
became  evident  that  he  would  go,  even  if  he  had  to 
bcconv  disconnected  from  the  mission  in  order  to  do 
so.  According  to  the  understanding  of  the  members 
of  the  mission,  the  single  object  of  Dr.  Whitman  in 
attempting  to  cross  the  continent  in  the  winter  of 
1842-43,  amid  mighty  peril  and  sulTering,  was  to 
make  a  desperate  effort  to  save  this  country  to  the 
United  States. 


! 


"IP! 


110 


FA  TIlKli   KKLLS. 


(  ' 


"Oil  roftrlilnp:  Washington  lie  Uvirnod  tluit  rrprc- 
seiitationH  hud  beon  niado  there  correspondin*^  to 
those  wlii(!h  liad  heeii  often  repeated  on  this  croaHt. 
'Orejjjon,'  it  was  said,  '  wouUl  most  likely  he  unimpor- 
tant to  th(^  United  States.  It  was  dillleult  of  ac^cess. 
A  waijjon  road  thitiier  was  an  impossibility.*  liy  such 
statements  (lovernor  Simpson  (the  territorial  governor 
of  the  Hudson's  Hay  Company)  had  well-iiigh  suc- 
ceeded in  aec^omplishing  his  object  of  purchasing  this 
country,  not  for  a  mess  of  pottage,  but  a  cod-Hshery  ! 
Dr.  Whitman  was  barely  able  to  obtain  from  Presi- 
dent  Tyler  the  promise  that  negotiations  should  be 
suspended. 

"His  next  object  was  to  expose  the  falsity  of  the 
statement  t)»Mt  the  Kocky  and  IJlue  Mountains  could 
not  be  passed  by  immigrant  wagons.  It  soon  became 
known,  to  some  extent,  that  Dr.  Whitman  would  ac- 
company those  who  would  attempt  to  go  to  the  Coin  »- 
bia  that  season  in  this  manner.  The  fact  ihuucwd 
numbers  to  decide  to  go  who  would  not  otherwise 
have  done  so.  If  I  judge  correctly,  the  testimony  has 
been  unvarying  and  abundant  that  the  success  of  the 
expedition  depended  upon  the  knowledge,  skill,  en- 
ergy, and  perseverance  of  Dr.  Whitman.  Extrava- 
gant language  has  been  used,  expressive  of  the 
confidence  of  the  emigrants  of  1843  in  his  ability  to 
conduct  them  successfully  through  difficulties  which, 


THK   MlSSlO.y  I'JSTAlthfS/fKD. 


Ill 


in  tlio  I'Mtiiiijilioii  of  many,  wcrci  rcjjjard^'d  as  iiHcr  itn- 
poHsibilitics.  Tlic  fonliiijjj  of  the  IMaltc!  witli  Kiich  ii 
train  was  an  nntriiMl  and  in  hoii'"  rcHpcctrt  a  perilous 
uiKU'rtakinjj; ;  and  yet  it  was  signally  sncci'ssfnl. 

*'ln  IH.'Jl)  U(>v.  .1.  S.  (iiillin  and  liis  missionary 
associates  traveled  from  the  western  frontier  to  Kort 
Ilall  with  wayjons.  Thev  were  there  told  l»v  agents  of 
the  Hudson's  Itay  Company  that  it  was  impracttieable, 
if  not  impossible,  to  take  their  wagons  to  Walla  Walla. 
Con8e(piently  teams  and  waj^ons  were  ex(than|j;(!d  for 
pack  animals  and  fixtures.  In  1810  Uev.  II.  Clarke 
and  other  missionary  laborers  performtnl  the  same 
journey  in  like  manner.  At  Kort  Hall  they  were 
induced  to  leave  tiieir  wagons.  In  IHl.'J  this  game;  was 
tried  again,  and  at  the  opportune  monumt  when  Dr. 
Whitman  was  absent  from  camj).  On  his  return  he 
found  some  wee[)ing,  others  much  disturbed.  He  at 
once  comprehended  the  plot,  and  then  and  there  is 
said  to  have  jiddressed  them  as  follows  :  '  My  coun- 
trymen, you  have  trusted  nie  thus  far;  believe  rac 
now,  and  I  will  take  your  wagons  to  the  Colum})ia 
River.' 

"■I  mav  not  ])e  able  to  furnish  evidence  entirelv  sat- 
isfactory  to  others,  but  in  view  of  all  the  past  relating 
to  this  subject,  of  which  I  have  been  an  eye  and  ear 
witness  since  August,  1838,  I  am  prepared  to  say  that 
to  my  mind  there  is  not  the  shadow  of  a  doubt  that 


11 


I  I 


112 


r.r/7//;/r  kills. 


Dr.  WliiljuMn,  l\v  Iiin  »'lTortH  willi  rroHidrtil  Tylrr  iind 
SorrotMiv  NVoltslcr.  iit  IMl.'l,  mimI  Iiih  m^ciu'v  during  llir 
siunc  vrsM'  in  <'<nuliu'lin},r  mm  iiniMi^riint  (ruin  fnnii  llu^ 
woHlrrn  fioMliiT  lo  llio  ('oIninl>iM  Iiiv(<r,  wmh  iimini- 
iiumiImI  it)  sMvin^;  m  vmImmIiK'  porliou  of  lli(»  NorMiwrHl, 
to  Iho  I  nil«Ml  S(m(os.  Am  I  cxlriivn^iiMl.  in  juldiiifr 
\\v.\\  \\w  importMiuM'  of  tluM  Nrivi<'(«  lo  «»iir  (mmimIiv  will 
not  l»o  liKolv  to  l»o  ovtMrstiiimtAMl  ?  Wlioii  llu<  iron 
U'mAs.  of  tlio  NortluMU  r.'U'ilU'  Kuilroixl  hIimII  Iimvc  tlip 
two  (M'o.Mns  for  Its  tonnmi,  mixI  tlu>  connncnM'  of  tlu» 
WiMlilshMll  luovo  ov«M"  tin*  luoHt.  (linM't  routt<,  mikI  wlini 
tho  lMt«M»t  ivsoiiroos  of  this  vMst  ro^itui  hIimII  lisivr  Im'imi 
fiillv  ilovolopod,  tluMv  will  ho  :»  tluMiio  worMiv  of  llio 
host  iMuloMVors  «>f   tho  stMtcsinMH  aiul  oiMtor." 

Or.  Troat  in:uU'  public  use  of  tliiH  Htiitcinout  in 
tlio  autumn  «>f  ISTit*,  Mt  tho  mooting:;  of  tho  AmoricMU 
Ho:»nl.  !»iui  it  was  t'opiod  far  anil  wide  l>v  tho  oasttMii 
and  wostorn  pross. 

AlH>ut  ISSO  thoso  facts  boijan  to  be  (picstionod,  then 
donioil,  hv  sni'li  persons  as  lion.  Khvood  Kvans,  Mrs. 
F.  F.  Victor,  .ludiie  M.  V.  Deadv.  nnd  others.  It  was 
denied  that  Or.  Whitman  went  Fast  with  any  political 
intent  whatever,  that  he  ditl  anythip;jj  politically  while 
there,  that  anv  meetinjx  of  the  mission  was  held 
authorizinir  him  ti>  go,  and  even  that  he  went  to  Wash- 
iniiton  at  all.  The  iliscussion  which  followed,  often 
called  tho  Whitman  Controversy,  was  long  and  volii- 


'nii<:  /i;/.'.s7o,v  i<:srAiu.isiiici>. 


li:; 


i!. 


iniiioiiH,  «'H|M'riiilly  ill  IHHl  HTi.  Dr.  I'",«IIh  rollow<<l  if, 
willi  tlir  gMMih'Hl,  iiilrn'Ml,  (lioii^li  lie  lr|,  oIImih  do 
llinHt,  of    Hie  WlilillJ/.       Af.    (illH'H   llf  mImiohI,    U'M\h\    IllJlf, 

from  Dr.  VVIiil.iiifiii,  from  (lie  (wuiHr  of  miHHiofiH,  from 
tlM<  cMiiHc  of  CliriHl,  would  Im>  Hmil<-lird  llic  lioiiorK 
winrli  Im<  hrlicvrd  Itcloii)/  l,o  Micm.  Amoiiir  oilier  Htufji- 
mriiJH    iiindr    dnriiifr    fiiiM    cofitrovriHy     flir    followirij/ 


WHH     IlliU 


In   Ifv    Dr.  KcIIh:  — 


"  Scpf.cmlM'r,  IMt'2,  ji  Icll.or  wiil.lcn  by  Dr.  WliiliiiHri, 
iiddn'MHcd  io  \{v\.  Mchhih.  V.,  WalKrr  Jiiid  (!.  Krllw  af, 
'rHiiiiiuikMiii,  rciu'lu'd  if,H  dc.Ht.iimtion  iind  wjih  n'w.'wi'A 
by  tin'  prrHoiiH  to  wliom  it,  wjih  wriMrn.  I»y  IIm-  con- 
IciiIk  of  Hjiid  letter  ii  mec'tirit^  of  tlie,  Oregon  MiHHion 
of  ilir  AmericMM  lioard  of  ('(urimiHHioiierH  for  Foreign 
MisHioiiH  wiiH  invited  to  Inr  lield  jit,  WMiiluipii.  TIm; 
object  of  Hjiid  iiiectinj^,  iih  Ht.'ited  in  tli(^  letter  named, 
WJIH  to  approve  f»f  ji  jmipoHe  formecl  by  Dr.  Wliit- 
Mum,  tliJit  lie  f^o  KjiHt  on  beludf  of  (>re<;on  jih  related  to 
the  linitiMJ  Stjit<*H.  In  tin;  jiid<(m«!nt  of  Mr.  Walker 
Jiiid  invHc^lf  tliJit  obj(;(^t  wjih  forei«jfn  to  our  aHnij^ned 
work.  With  troubled  thouj^htH  we  antieipat<',d  the  pro- 
|)OHed  miHutinj^.  On  th(^  followinj^  djiy,  WedncHday,  we 
Htart<'d,  Jind  on  Sjiturdjiy  Jifternoon  camped  on  the  Tou- 
clu^t,  at  the  ford  ncnir  tlu^  Mulliin  brid^^c;.  We  were 
plejiHed  with  the  proHpcKit  of  enjoying  ;<,  period  of  rest, 
reflection,  and  pniyer  —  needful  prepjiration  for  the  an- 
tagonlHin  of  oppoHing  ideas.     We  never  moved  camp 


I 'I 


i!i 


ii 


114 


FATHER  SELLS. 


^^ 


on  the  l^ord's  Day.  On  Monday  morning  we  arrived 
at  Waiilatpu  and  met  the  two  resident  families  of 
Messrs.  Whitman  and  Gray.  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding 
was  there.  All  the  male  members  of  the  mission  were 
thus  together.  In  the  discussion  the  opinion  of  Mr. 
Walker  and  myself  remained  unchanged.  The  pur- 
pose of  Dr.  Whitman  was  fixed.  In  his  estimation 
the  saving  of  Oregon  to  the  United  States  was  of  par- 
amount importance,  and  he  would  make  the  attempt 
to  do  so,  even  if  he  had  to  withdraw  from  the  mission 
in  order  to  accomplish  his  purpose.  In  reply  to 
considerationa  intended  to  hold  Dr.  Whitman  to  his 
assigned  work,  he  said :  '  I  am  not  expatriated  by 
becoming  a  missionary.'  The  idea  of  his  withdrawal 
could  not  be  entertained,  therefore  to  retain  him  in  the 
mission  a  vote  to  approve  of  his  making  the  perilous 
cnde.ivor  prevailed.  He  had  a  cherished  object  for 
the  accomplishiiicnt  of  which  he  desired  consultation 
with  Rev.  David  Greene,  secretary  of  correspondence 
with  the  mission  at  Boston,  Mass.,  but  I  have  no 
recollection  that  it  was  named  in  the  meeting.  A  part 
of  two  days  was  spent  in  consultation.  Record  of 
the  date  and  acts  of  the  meeting  was  made.  The 
book  containing  the  same  was  in  the  keeping  of  the 
Whitman  family.  At  the  time  of  their  massacre, 
November  29,  1847,  it  disappeared. 

"The   fifth   day   of  October  following   was   desig- 


THE  MISSION  ESTABLISHED. 


115 


nated  as  the  day  on  which  Dr.  Whitman  would  ex- 
pect to  start  from  Waiilatpu.  Accordingly,  letters,  of 
which  he  was  to  be  the  bearer,  were  required  to  be 
furnished  him  at  his  station  in  accordance  therewith. 
Mr.  Walker  and  myself  returned  to  Tshimakain, 
prepared  letters  and  forwarded  them  seasonably  to 
Waiilatpu.  By  the  return  of  the  courier  information 
was  received  that  Dr.  Whitman  started  on  the  third 
of  October.  It  is  possible  that  transpirings  at  old 
Fort  Walla  Walla  hastened   his  departure  two  days. 

*'  Soon  after  his  return  to  this  coast  Dr.  Whitma:. 
said  to  me  he  wished  he  could  return  East  immediately, 
as  he  believed  he  could  accomplish  more  than  he  had 
done,  as  I  understood  him  to  mean,  to  save  this  coun- 
try to  the  United  States.  I  asked  him  why  he  could 
not  go.  He  said :  '  1  cannot  go  without  seeing  Mrs. 
Whitman.'     She  was  then  in  the  Willamette  valley. 

*'I  solemnly  affirm  that  the  foregoing  statements  are 
true  and  correct,  according  to  the  best  of  my  knowl- 
edge and  belief.     So  help  me  God. 

(Signed)  ''GUSHING  EELLS. 

*'  Sworn  and  subscribed  to  before  me  this  twenty- 
third  day  of  August,  1883. 

(Signed)  "  L.  E.  KELLOGG, 

"  Notary  Public^  Spokane  County^  Washington  Territory.^' 

The  journal  of  Mr,  Wfilker  afterwards  discovered 


11!    *» 


i:  •! 


•1 


I  '   '  .  :i 


?    f 


116 


FATHER    KKLLS. 


confinnod  Mr.  Kclls'  statement  ji!)out  the  meeting 
being  held  and  its  date,  by  writings  made  at  the  time, 
and  the  unearthing  by  Dr.  S.  J.  Parker,  of  Ithaca, 
N.  Y.,  in  1891,  of  a  letter  of  Dr.  Whitman's  in  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  written  by  him  in  1843  to  James  M. 
Porter,  secretary  of  war,  and  by  another  writing 
made  at  the  time,  proved  beyond  possibility  of  dis- 
pute that  he  went  to  Washington  with  political  intent. 
Dr.  Eells  had  the  satisfaction  of  living  to  see  the  facts 
so  thoroughly  believed  that  they  were  published  not 
only  by  the  missionary  and  religious  press  and  Gray's 
'*  History  of  Oregon,"  which  might  be  accused  of 
bias  in  their  favor,  but  by  Barrows'  "  Oregon," 
Butterworth's  "Log  Schoolhouse  on  the  Columbia," 
Gilbert's  "Historic  Sketches  of  Walla  Walla,  Whit- 
man, Columbia,  and  Garfield  Counties  of  Washing- 
ton, and  Umatilla  County  of  Oregon,"  Lang's  "  His- 
torv  of  the  Willamette  Vallev,"  Brown's  "  Political 
History  of  Oregon,"  and  Scudder's  "  History  of  the 
United  States,  for  Schools  and  Academies."  When 
Dr.  Eells  was  presented  with  a  copy  of  the  latter 
work,  which  contains  also  a  picture  of  Dr.  Whitman 
leaving  his  station  for  Washington,  it  was  most  plain 
that  the  truth  learned  by  the  school  children  had  been 
fostered  bv  God  and  would  be  scattered  so  far  and 
wide  and  deep  that  no  combination  of  learned  men 
or  human  reasoning  could  successfully  oppose  it. 


TUB  muslON  ESTAIILISIIED. 


m 


Altbougli  at  first  Dr.  Eells  was  (lecldedly  opposed 
to  Dr.  Whitraan'a  going  East,  and  only  yielded  when 
tlie  reasons  seemed  siillicient,  yet  he  afterwards  said 
that  the  little  he  had  to  do  as  a  member  of  the  meet- 
ing which  authorized  Dr.  Whitman  to  go  at  that  time 
gave  him  great  satisfaction  as  one  of  the  best  episodes 
of  his  life. 

A  letter  written  by  Mrs.  Eells  to  her  sister  in  Massa- 
chusetts gives  the  following  items  :  — 

"  Our  Indians  were  never  more  about  us  than  now. 
Some  three  or  four  are  at  work  for  Mr.  Eells  prepar- 
ing timber  for  a  new  house  to  be  put  up  in  the  spring 
if  prospered.  Besides  we  try  to  employ  a  number  of 
boys  and  girls  for  the  threefold  purpose  of  keeping 
them  out  of  idleness,  encouraging  industry,  and  fur- 
nishing them  food.  Mr.  Walker  emplo\i  about  as 
many.  The  Indians  are  quiet  and  very  submissive  at 
present  but  do  not  seem  inclined  to  seek  the  one  thing 
needful.  They  spend  a  great  deal  of  time  in  gam- 
bling and  jugglery.  If  we  could  see  them  embracing 
the  truth  in  the  love  of  it,  our  hearts  would  leap  for 
joy.  If  I  was  sure  I  had  not  run  before  I  was  sent, 
I  would  on  no  condition  leave  them,  though  I  may 
never  in  this  life  be  permitted  to  see  much  fruit  of  our 
labor. 

"  Mrs.  Walker  and  myself  observe  the  last  Wednes- 
day afternoon  of  each  month  in  concert  with  the  other 


!     if'. 


n 


'      ■»!,"<  H''-' — W^^ 


>  I 


WS  '^ ■ 

118 


FATIIKU   KELLS. 


members  of  tlie  missions  as  a  season  of  prayer  for 
our  eliildren.  There  is  quite  a  large  maternal  assoeia- 
tion,  of  whieh  perhaps  I  may  tell  you  I  am  president. 
I  liavo  never  seen  lialf  of  the  members  and  probably 
never  shall.  .  .  . 

"  We  observed  last  Monday  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer  in  conneetion  with  the  ehurches  at  home  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world.  We  observe  the  monthly 
concert  and  our  Tuesday  evening  meetings,  though  we 
seldom  have  more  than  our  own  little  number,  four. 
I  think  there  have  never  been  more  than  six  pro- 
fessors of  religion  present  at  any  one  time,  and  never 
more  than  three  men." 

The  maternal  association  mentioned  in  this  letter 
was  probably  the  first  on  the  coast,  and  was  organized 
September  3,  1838,  at  Dr.  Whitman's.  It  then  con- 
sisted of  the  six  women  connected  with  the  mission. 
By  1842  seven  others  had  joined  it,  two  of  whom 
were  the  wives  of  persons  connected  with  the  Hud- 
son's Bay  Company,  and  the  other  five  were  the  wives 
of  men  who  came  to  the  country  as  independent  mis- 
sionaries.    The  preamble  says  :  — 

*'  Sensible  of  the  evils  that  beset  the  young  mind 
in  a  heathen  land,  and  confident*  that  no  arm  but 
God's  can  secure  our  children  or  those  committed  to 
our  care  from  the  dangers  that  surround  them  and 
bring  them  early  into  the  foltl  of  Christ  and  fit  them 


TJIK   MISSION  KSrAIiUSniCD. 


119 


for  iisefulnoss  liere  and  glory  horeaftor,  wo  the  siib- 
Hcrihcrs  agree  to  form  ourselves  into  an  association 
for  the  i)uri)ose  of  adopting  such  rules  as  arc  best 
calculated  to  assist  us  in  the  right  performance  of  our 
maternal  duties." 

Its  name  was  the  Columbia  Maternal  Association. 

Thus  affairs  went  on  without  much  change  until  the 
winter  of  1846-47.  This  season  was  very  severe. 
Mrs.  Eells  wrote  :  — 

"The  past  winter  has  been  the  most  severe  in  the 
memory  of  the  oldest  Indians.  The  snow  ])egan  to 
fall  about  the  middle  of  November ;  about  the 
middle  of  December  it  was  not  far  from  two  feet 
deep  and  it  continued  to  increase  to  the  first  of 
March.  For  more  than  five  montlis  the  earth  was 
clothed  in  a  robe  of  white ;  for  more  than  three 
months  we  were  literally  buried  in  snow ;  all  the 
west  side  of  our  house  was  banked  to  the  roof  and 
would  have  been  dark  only  that  the  snow  was  shoveled 
from  the  windows.  Our  meetinghouse  was  not  opened 
from  the  seventeenth  of  January  till  the  last  Sabbath 
in  March,  and  then  Mr.  Eells  went  on  snowshoes. 
Several  Indians  went  to  worship  on  the  first  Sabbath 
of  April,  but  Mr.  Eells  went  on  horseback  ;  sometimes 
it  was  so  cold  that  the  air  cut  like  a  knife  and  about 
the  first  of  March  we  could  not  keep  ourselves  comfort- 
able.    From  the  middle  of  December  until  some  time 


lili 


n 


■t  ( 


■1. , 


im 


\2{) 


/•M7'i7/.7;  /•;/.;/ J,. V. 


Ill  /Kuril,  tnrn,  uoniiM),  '.\\\*\  rliildicii  IrMvclcd  ni)  huow- 
o\«mv>\Ihm(>    oiiNitIt'    of    11h'    «'V(Mv«Imv    Im>mI«mi 


HllOOH 


\y.\\\\.  'V\w  o\I«mH  of  INIr.  VaAW  mimI  Mr.  WnlKrr'H 
liMvolino;  wmm  lo  \\w  Imlinn  l«nl»>t>H  i\\u\  nl>oul  m  (HImiIim' 
t>f  :i  n\iU'  to  I'ro.l  lIuMf  1u»ih»vm  mikI  omHIo;  it  wmh  h\\\\ 
1>V  uinvoiniiMl  l!«l>oi'  inul  \Uo  groMlost  oronniny  in  I'immI- 
ing  1l\Mt  ;Mu>\i«>h  of  oni'  «'Mltlo  :»ml  horM«>H  \v»m«'  smxmmI  l\)r 
|>ros«M»l  «JH(\  Only  ono  hoist*  Iimh  diiMl,  lint  \vt>  li.'no 
lost    twolvo  o:»ttl«\      Wo   h:\vo,   liouovt'r,  liMil  mm  mImiii- 


(Inn 


00-  o 


r   tl 


h*    iuH'»'Ms:\rn»M    o 


f    lil'( 


ind    nmro    o 


f    it! 


Invnrios   th:ni   Ii.ms   sonuMiiiu^s   fMlltMi    to  onr  lot, 


"  riio  t'oiv  \M\r\  of  tho  \vint»M-,  both  Iii«li:iii  inoii  Mini 
woiiion  spiMit  M  iiioMt  |>:irt  of  tluMi*  tinio  mikI  Htroii^tli 
diiioino-  MWMV  tho  snow  so  tliMt  thiMi'  horsos  oonld  m>t, 
jjiMss.  Somotinios  thov  would  iMit  lono-  i>rMss  mimI  U'Ci\ 
tluMii  ;  but  Mlinost  :ill  tlii^l  boforo  tho  hist  of  JMiiiiMry. 
Tho  old  i^hiof  s;iys  ho  had  sovonty  hors«\s  Miid  thirty 
OMttlo  but  bofoiv  tho  oloso  of  A|Mil  ho  lind  no  liorso 
Mild  only  \y\o  «':ittlo.  Tho  IndiMiis  ooiuMiilly  liMd  from 
Olio  \o  ton  luMsos,  soino  moro,  soiiio  loss,  soino  not  Miiy, 
but  m11  aliko  miv  iioav  on  foot.  1  ilo  not  know  of  Inilf 
M  dtv.on  livo  onos  in  all   this  rooion   boloiiiiiiii>"  to  tho 


IndiMiu 


Thov  had  iionrlv  forty  OMttlo  which  thov  had 


obtainod  thronoji  onr  instninionlMlitv  ;  Ihoro  miv  only 
throo  or  four  loft.  A  band  o(  sixtooii  oatllo  boloiiii;- 
iuii  to  Iho  l^ay  Indians  was  sont  to  tho  Sjiokano  Uivor 
U>  wintor ;  iMilv  ono  of  thoni  is  now  alive. 


77//';    UnSS'lON    hSTAHUSllhlK 


121 


"  Al,  Culvillc  llir  llmlHMirH  I'liiy  ( 'oiii|niiiy  liinl  (wo 
liiimlrcd  iiml  h«'V«'IiIv  Imhhch  ;  liy  April  only  llirro  wen" 
iilivc.  I'iVciv  <>n(>  of  iiiKJllicf  IkiihI  of  ("i^lilv  Iioihch 
\uAn\\ir\\\iT  1(1  M  hIii^Ic  tniiii  \h  (IomI.  'I'Iic  Iioihoh  of 
llic  liHjMiiM  ill  tliiit  rt'^ioii  mikI  iiIho  of  llic  H.'iy  IndifiiiM 
fiirllirr  iioilli  nn*  nil  driui.  Af,  Colvilli"  hoiih'  <»f  IIh; 
('.'idle   froze  (o  <l(Milli   Hlfnidiiifr." 

Ill  April,  |HI7,  hIi(«  wrilcH  mImmiI,  hIioch  wiiicli  wonr 
snil  from  lli(>  IOmhI,  Io  licr  <'liil(lrrii,  who  wvvv  ilu'ti 
mImmiI  (linM>  iiiKJ  u.  iuilf  iiml  live  mikI  m  luilf  yourH 
old:  — 

''Tln'v  htwo  iiumy  IIimiiUh  to  himkI  tlicir  liMld  coiiHinH 
for  llicir  ('oiitril)iilioiiH  (llioii<r||  fjicy  iM<v(>r  hjiw  Imi 
one  pjiir  of  hIkm'h),  wliicli  uvv,  (MMljiinly  v«M*y  vnliuiMc  in 
IIiIh  comilry  wliciii  llic  hiiow  Vwh  on  Ww  j^ronnd  four  or 
livo  iiionlliH  ill  ji  y(>!ir.  'rin\y  iisiisdiy  wcnr  inoccHHiiiH 
imd  Mre  obliged  to  sImv  in  (lie,  lioiisc'  or  liuvo  wet  feet." 

About  llu>  Hjiuio  time  hIh'  wrote  nhoiit  ji  hIijiwI  wIiIcIi 
lijul  hiM'ii  H«Mit  in  a  box  from  the  KuHtern  StiiteH.  She 
sjiyH  :  — 

"  Mrs.  Wnlker  snul  I  hud  each  our  red  merino  nhfiwls 
dial  wt»  wore  in  tiie  Stsites  (nini!  years  [)revious)  jind 
o  ir  plaids  are  pretty  good,  though  they  huve  been 
washed  several  times,  and  we  coiieluded  it  was  l)CHt 
to  send  the  shawl  to  Mrs.  Wliitman,  sis  we  W(!re  [)retty 
sure  she  had  none.  She  has  sinee  sent  back  many 
tliauks,  as  she  was  destitute," 


'  II 


II : 


vm 


\'  ' 


M 


122 


FATIIi:ii  EKLL8, 


Their  experience  in  making  cheese  is  given  in  this 
yfixy  :  — 

'*  Last  year  !in<l  the  year  before  we  liad  milk,  so 
that  we  made  a  few  small  cheeses.  Just  to  prove  how 
necessity  can  invent  new  ways  when  old  ones  are  not 
at  hand,  1  will  tell  vou  how  we  went  to  work.  At 
first,  I  believe,  Mrs.  McDonald,  of  Fort  Colville,  gave 
us  a  little  rennet,  but  we  could  bring  no  curd  with  it. 
Then  Dr.  Whitman  gave  us  a  little  beef's  rennet,  but 
we  succeeded  no  better  with  it.  At  last  Mrs.  Walker 
thought  that  perhaps  young  deer's  rennet  would  do, 
so  after  a  while  an  Indian  brought  us  one  which  we 
tried,  and  it  did  well.  But  perhaps  you  will  say.  Why 
did  you  not  have  calves'  rennet?  Because  a  general 
feeling  has  prevailed  that  calves  must  not  be  killed. 

"  Now  for  the  cheese  basket  and  tongs,  and  some- 
thing to  dress  it  in  and  with.  The  first  named  uten- 
sils we  did  without.  We  succeeded  in  getting  a  two- 
gallon  keg  sawed  in  two,  which  served  for  hoops,  and 
at  first  we  pressed  with  stones  and  bags  of  musket 
balls.  Last  year  Mrs.  Walker  made  herself  a  lever 
which  saved  her  strength  some,  but  I  did  not  try  any- 
thing new." 

About  the  same  time,  March,  1847,  she  wrote  her 
mother  a  letter  which  shows  her  filial  affection. 

"  My  dear  father,  he  is  gone  !  I  shall  never  more 
see  or  hear  from  him.     O  death,  thou  hast  done  thy 


rilK   MISSION  KSTAIiLISllKI). 


123 


work  for  my  dear  fjitluu' !  My  dear  inotlier,  h  very 
(Icjir  mother  !  —  I  know  that  hIio  has  lived  to  a  good  old 
age  ;  and  I  know  too  that  HieknesH,  care,  and  anxiety 
iniiHt  have  made  a  great  change,  both  in  her  t)l»ysical 
and  mental  powers.  I  know  that  tiie  aged  must  die. 
Is  mv  dear  mother  coming  down  to  the  grave  like  a 
shock  of  corn  fully  ripe?  Oh,  happy  thought!  Am  I 
preparing  to  follow  her?  I,  as  well  you  know,  am  past 
the  meridian  of  life.  How  much  we  have  to  praise  the 
Redeemer  for,  if  we  shall  be  permitted  to  meet  at  his 
right  hand !  I  often  pray  that  we,  with  all  my  dear 
brothers  and  sisters,  may  be  so  unspeakably  happy  as 
to  meet  in  heaven  with  our  father  and  all  the  redeemed 
saints,  forever  to  celebrate  the  love  of  Jesus. 

"Edwin  and  Myron  think  very  much  of  the  books 
sent  them  last  fall ;  I  think  they  learn  books  very  well, 
but  they  can  never  know  the  noble,  exhilarating  feel- 
ing there  is  connected  with  going  to  worship  in  a  good 
meetinghouse  where  they  can  understand  what  is  said, 
or  to  a  good  school  with  others  of  their  own  age.  But 
I  have  no  doubt  the  Lord  will  take  care  of  them  if  we 
do  our  duty. 

"  It  is  true  that  we  have  passed  a  long  and  dreary 
winter,  and  we  are  still  in  it ;  but  if  we  could  see  the 
perishing  Indians  taking  the  milk  and  honey,  we  should 
feel  amply  repaid  for  all  our  privations. 

"We  have  been  here  almost  nine  years  and  have 


1i:»  ,H' 


i'!/r! 


],  I 


iK- ! 


!!  -lull I 


V2i 


FATIIHH    NhlLLS, 


not  yci  Imm'h  prnnittiMl  jo  Ihmii'  Mm*  vv'wh  of  oiu*  |M'ni- 
Irnl  or  lln'  Hongs  of  one  icmIimmiumI  houI.  Wc  oflcii 
M.sk  (MMHt'lvi'H,  Wliv  Im  it?  Yrt  \\v  liihor  on,  hoping 
Mini  w.'iitin^,  mikI  (>\p(M'(iii<j;  W\\\{,  tli<>  hcciI  (Iioii^Ii  I<mi^ 
bmiiMl  will  Hprin^  np  jukI  boar  fniil.  \\v  fjM-l  iiu'irjiH- 
inLrly  Inton'sltMJ  in  onr  work,  nnd  Ihon^li  we  do  not  nrt* 
tlio  iintntMJiMlo  fruit  of  onr  lulxjr,  yet  wv  cjuinot  llnd 
it  in  onr  lioMrts  to  !o:i'  ♦»  tlio  people.  We  csninot  K:iy 
th;it  tlu'V  li.'ivc  p<MH»MMit(Ml  us  HO  tlwit  we  slionld  bi; 
:uitliori/,»'d  to  '  lloo  to  JinotluM'  citv.'  Tln'V  listen  to 
tlu»  Word  roMpoctfnIly,  but  it  nppcsus  to  produce  no 
saving;  elToct." 


I 


\ 


CMAPrKIt   V. 


Till'.  MiM,sM»N  hhokkn  iir. 


iN  IH47  occiirrrd  llu'  HiKldoHi  (ivciii  in  Ww.  hlHtory 
(»f  iniHHioiiH  nil  tlir  I'licirK^  hIojm;  >iik(  oik!  oT  Mm; 
Hn(lil(*Hl  ill  the  (tiitirt^  liiHtory  of  llu;  (^ohhI,.  I)i'.  Wliil- 
iiiiin,  IiiH  wif<!,  mid  rijiilit  oIIkth  wcni  inuHHacrcd  at  liiH 
Htiitioii  on  N<>V(MidM'i'  2!>,  and  four  otli(;i'H  kooii  after, 
inakiii^  foiirtcirii  in  all.  Tin;  rcHiilt  waH  IIk;  (;ntin; 
hri'akin^  up  of  tlir  miHHioiiH  of  tlici  Aincrioan  Hoard, 
ii('V(M'  to  1m'  niHiiiiKMl  aH  Hiuili.  Tlu!  liJHtory  of  this, 
like  tliat  of  Dr.  Whitnian'H  jouriHiy  to  VVaHhinj;ton, 
belongH  to  tlie  liistory  of  Orc^j^on  or  tlu;  life;  of  Dr. 
VVIiltiiian.  Only  HiH^h  bcarinj^B  on  it  as  relate;  to  the 
life  and  work  of  Mr.  Eellw  require  record  here. 

Twice  it  was  the  intention  of  Mr.  Eells  to  he  at 
Dr.  Whitman's  at  the  time  of  the  massacre,  and  twice 
his  purpose  was  thwarted  as  i)lainly  as  was  his  going 
to  Africa. 

The  long  cold  winter  at  Tshimakain,  and  especially 
that  of  1846-47,  together  with  the  apparent  want  of 
success  in  inducing  the  Indians  to  become  Christians, 
had  been  very  trying  to  health,  especially  to  that  of  Mr. 
Kells.     Four  children  at  that  station  were  old  enough 


130 


^f 


ii^ 


I J  jj^i" 


i   ^H 

|H 

1  Bl 

126 


FATlIEli  KI:LLS. 


to  g<J  to  school,  three  of  Mr.  Walker's  and  one  of  Mr. 
Eells',  and  more  soon  would  be. 

The  large  number  of  immigrants,  many  of  whom 
came  by  way  of  Dr.  Whitman's  and  some  of  whom 
stopj)cd  there,  made  the  importance  of  that  station 
greater  than  that  of  the  others.  Dr.  Wiiitman  was 
breaking  down  under  his  work.  lie  greatly  felt  the 
need  of  more  help,  especially  that  of  an  ordained 
minister.  The  Methodists  were  closing  their  missions 
in  Oregon.  They  offered  tiieir  station  at  The  Dalles 
for  sale.  Dr.  Whitman  considered  it  a  very  imi)ortant 
point.  Here  had  been  the  most  successful  mission 
of  the  Methodists  among  the  Indians,  and  here  for  a 
long  time  to  come  the  Indians  would  congregate  in 
large  numbers  on  account  of  its  fisheries.  It  would 
also  be  an  important  point  among  the  whites,  the 
gateway  between  eastern  and  western  Oregon.  Dr. 
^'^hitman  was  looking  out  for  the  religious  and  educa- 
tional interests  of  the  whites  as  well  as  of  the  Indians, 
and  was  urging  the  Home  Missionary  and  Tract  soci- 
eties  to  send  laborers  into  the  field.  His  idea  was 
thiit  a  college  should  be  located  at  The  Dalles.  Con- 
sequently that  station  was  bought,  and  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  mission  in  the  summer  of  1847  it  was 
decided  that  Mr.  Walker  was  to  move  there  and  have 
charge  of  it ;  Mr.  Eells  w^as  to  move  to  Dr.  Whit- 
man's, spending   his   winters   for  the   benefit  of  the 


THE  MI  SIS  ION  BIIOKEN   UP. 


127 


wliitcs,  aiul  his  summers  in  itinerating  with  the  Indi- 
ans. Mr.  Spalding  also  was  to  move  there.  Thus 
man  in  his  wisdom  proposes ;  God  in  his  higher  wis- 
dom disposes  differently. 

Mrs.  Walker's  health  was  such  in  the  fall  that  they 
tiiought  it  unwise  to  move,  and  it  seemed  decidedly 
better  for  Mr.  Eells  to  remain  with  them.  For  some 
reason  now  unknown  Mr.  S})alding  also  did  not  move 
as  contemplated.  It  became  necessary  to  send  Dr. 
"Whitman's  nephew,  Perin  B.  Whitman,  from  his  sta- 
tion to  The  Dalles,  and  he  and  Mr.  A.  Hinman  were 
to  have  charge  of  it  for  the  winter,  the  latter  having 
taught  school  at  Dr.  Whitman's.  Thus  P.  B.  Whit- 
man and  the  families  of  Messrs.  Spalding  and  Eells 
were  kept  away  from  Dr.  Whitman's  at  the  time  of 
tlie  mt.,ssacre. 

Again,  during  several  weeks  previous  to  the  mas- 
sacre, an  artist,  J.  M.  Stanley,  had  been  busy  at  the 
mission  stations  and  posts  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Com- 
I)any,  making  drawings  and  pictures  of  various  scenes 
and  of  whites  and  Indians.  About  the  middle  of 
November  he  was  at  Tshimakain,  and  the  time  was 
verv  near  when  lie  intended  to  return  to  Dr.  Whit- 
man's.  Mr.  Eells  proposed  to  accompany  him.  Mr. 
Stanley  had  gone  with  INIr.  Wtdker  to  Fort  Colville. 
On  the  first  night  out  from  Colville  they  encamped  at  a 
specially  favorable  place  for  preventing  their  animals 


■,:!p 


;  M 


m 


I 


«] 


i 


128 


FATHER  EELLS. 


froiii   straying.     Nearly   the    entire    band    of    horses 

and  mules  was  there.     They  were  properly  hobbled  ; 

yet  not  one  of  them  was  found  the  next  morning.     An 

iueffectual  search  was  made  for  them  during  the  day. 

To   human   view   this   disappointment    could    not   bo 

understood ;  but  Mr.  Walker  believed  that 

"  Behind  a  frowning  Providence 
He  hides  a  smiling  face." 

and  said  to  Mr.  Stanley:  "This  means  something." 
It  did.     It  meant  the  saving  of  Mr.  Eells'  life. 

The*  delay  was  such  and  so  much  snow  bes^an  to 
fall  that  Mr.  Eells  questioned  the  advisability  of  his 
making  the  journey  as  proposed.  In  prayer  he  decided 
not  to  go.  Had  he  gone  as  at  first  planned  he  would 
have  been  ready  to  leave  Dr.  Whitman's  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  massacre.  Whether  he  would  have  been 
killed  there  is  not  certain,  but  he  always  felt  that,  if 
not  killed  then,  he  would  have  been  followed  and  killed 
before  he  could  have  escaped. 

Mr.  Eells  tells  the  following  incident  about  Mr. 
Walker :  In  the  early  years  of  the  mission  the  latter 
went  to  Mr.  Spalding's  for  flour  with  two  Indians. 
When  they  reached  the  North  Palouse  in  returning 
they  found  that  stream  so  swollen  with  rains  that  it 
could  not  be  forded.  A  r.'»ft  was  made.  One  Indian 
attempted  to  convey  Mr.  Walker  across.  He  did  not 
^nake  the   lauding  nnd   jumped  ashore,  intending   to 


THE  MISSION  BROKEN   UP. 


129 


take  liokl  of  the  raft  and  pull  it  ashore  ;  but  in  jump- 
ing he  pushed  it  farther  out  into  the  stream.  Mr. 
Wallver  was  borne  rapidly  down  the  current.  The 
Indians  ran  to  note  the  place  where  he  would  be 
drowned.  But  Providence  grounded  the  raft  just 
before  it  reached  the  fatal  spot,  and  he  was  saved.  In 
reply  to  ♦^  question  from  Mr.  Eells  as  to  his  feelings, 
when  alone  on  that  doubtful  ride,  Mr.  Walker  did  not 
immediately  reply,  but  said  that  on  subsequent  reflec- 
tion he  had  concluded  that  his  work  was  not  yet  done. 
The  same  was  undoubtedly  true  of  Mr.  Eells.  His 
work,  as  shown  during  the  next  forty-five  years,  was 
not  yet  done. 

As  Mr.  Eells  did  not  go  with  Mr.  Stanley,  an  Indian 
named  Solomon  went  with  him.  When  thev  reached 
Dry  Creek,  a  few  miles  from  Dr.  Whitman's,  they 
learned  of  the  massacre  and  turned  and  went  to 
Fort  Walla  Walla  (Wallula).  Solomon  returned,  and 
through  him  Mr.  Stanley  reported  the  essentioi  facts 
of  the  massacre  and  added  that  the  Cayuse  Indians 
intended  to  send  a  party  to  kill  those  at  Tshimakain. 
Mr.  P^lls  did  not  believe  it,  though  the  others  were 
disturbed  by  the  assertion,  and  Mrs.  Eells  spoke  of 
the  fitness  of  being  prepared  for  a  sudden  death. 

Another  announcement  a  liltlc  later,  however, 
did  disturb  Mr.  Eells.  hidi'tus  from  that  region 
were  accustomed  to  go  to  the  Willamette  valley   for 


i  M 


i.    , 


\- 


St 


U  '     llsfil 


i'i 


't: 


130 


FATHER  SELLS. 


employment  by  the  whites.  About  sixty  were  there  at 
the  time  of  the  massacre.  The  Cavuses  sent  word  to 
the  Spokanes  that  in  retaliation  for  the  death  of  those 
at  Dr.  Wiiitman's  the  Americans  had  killed  these 
Indians  on  the  Willamette.  The  statement  was  made 
to  induce  the  Spokanes  to  join  the  hostile  Indians. 
As  it  was  in  accord  with  Indian  practice  the  Cayuses 
expected  the  Spokanes  to  believe  it.  Mr.  Eells  under- 
stood the  whole  plot  quickly  and  said :  "The  rumor  is 
false  and  of  mischievous  tendency."  The  chief  be- 
lieved him,  as  he  also  saw  through  it ;  but  the  great 
difficulty  la;  '  ducing  ail  the  Indians  to  believe  him. 
The  chief,  hov>  er,  sent  runners  in  all  directions  with 
the  Vvords :  "  Believe  not  the  message.  It  is  not  the 
way  the  Americans  do."  He  said  to  the  mission- 
aries: *' Avoid  being  out  after  dark;  make  the  door 
fast ;  place  a  strong  shutter  over  the  window.  If 
there  be  a  call  for  admittance,  delay;  make  inquiry. 
By  the  dialect  of  the  applicant  may  be  determined 
from  what  band  he  comes  —  whether  from  those  well 
or  evil  disposed." 

It  was,  however,  reasonable  to  believe  that  Messrs. 
Walker  and  Eells  would  be  the  especial  objects  of 
attack.  They  were  compelled  to  look  death  squarely 
in  the  face,  and  in  case  it  should  occur  make  provision 
for  widow  and  orphans.  "  Never^"  says  Mr.  Eells, 
"  has  this  right  hand  so  reluctantly  guided  a  pen  as 


« 


!l 


THE  MIHSION  BnOKElf  UP. 


131 


when  it  wrote  to  Mr.  Lewes,  then  in  charge  of  Fort 
Colville,  that  in  the  event  of  mv  nieetinjr  a,  violent 
death,  he  vvonld  have  the  kindness  to  take  charge  of 
those  thus  bereaved,  conduct  them  down  tlie  river  to 
Fort  Vancouver,  see  them  safe  upon  a  Hudson's  Bay 
Company's  vessel  for  conveyance  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands,  to  the  care  of  the  mission  of  the  American 
Board  there."  But  He  who  had  twice  kept  Mr.  Eells 
from  death  now  kept  death  from  him. 

Soon  after  the  massacre  the  government  of  Oregon 
raised  volunteers,  chiefly  in  the  Willamette  valley, 
who  chastised  the  Cayuses,  built  Fort  Waters  at 
Dr.  Whitman's  station,  and  drove  the  Indians  out  of 
their  own  country  h^  rly  halfway  to  Tshiraakain.  This 
brought  the  enemy  so  near  that  there  seemed  to  be 
more  danger  than  before.  Mr.  Walker  went  to  Fort 
Colville  about  the  first  of  March  to  consult  in  regard 
to  their  safety.  Mr.  Lewes  said:  "Remain  quiet  at 
the  mission  as  long  as  you  can.  If  you  shall  be  con- 
vinced of  real  danger,  come  to  my  fort,  and  1  will 
protect  you  equally  with  myself  and  family." 

The  Spokane  Indians  were  now  showing  great 
friendliness.  They  saw  the  strong  probability  of 
losing  their  teachers.  This  made  them  all  the  more 
friendly.  On  one  Sabbath,  about  the  first  of  March, 
the  chief,  on  being  invited  to  speak,  so  exalted  the 
excellence  of  the  glorious  gospel  that  Mr.  Eells  said 


n 


!    \' 


132 


FATIIEU  KELLS. 


V'  i 


<i 


that  ho  wouM  have  given  five  dollars  to  have  had  an 
exact  copy  of  the  speech. 

But  the  hostile  camj)  was  now  only  about  sixty 
miles  from  Tshimakain.  It  began  to  seem  unsafe  to 
stay  any  longer.  Mr.  Walker  and  Mrs.  P^ells  were 
constitutionally  timid  and  wished  to  leave.  Mrs. 
Walker  had  strong  nerves,  but  her  six  children  made 
her  cautious.  She  was  on  an  even  poise.  Mr.  Eells 
was  not  satisfied  that  there  was  danger  enough  to 
render  it  necessary  to  move ;  but  he  alone  anchored 
the  fourteen  persons  there,  and  the  responsibility  was 
too  great.  It  was  decided  to  leave  for  Fort  Colville. 
So  happy  were  the  timid  ones  at  this  that  notwith- 
standing that  it  rained  when  they  started  and  their 
first  camp  was  in  the  snow,  and  they  did  not  reach 
Colville  until  the  fourth  day,  yet  the  move  was  made 
without  a  murmur. 

The  next  week  Messrs.  Walker  and  Eells  and 
Edwin  Eells,  t'  en  six  years  old,  returned  to  Tshima- 
kain to  look  after  what  was  left. 

There  they  spent  the  Sabbath.  Towards  night  a 
war  whoop  was  heard  in  the  timber  not  far  distant. 
It  was  enough  to  startle  a  brave  heart,  for  it  proceeded 
from  a  band  of  Indians  mounted  on  horses,  who  were 
rapidly  coming  nearer.  It  was  iujpossible  to  do  any- 
thing except  to  await  the  result  and  learn  whether 
they  were  foes  or  friends. 


THE  MISSION  BROKEN  UP, 


133 


They  cast  about  for  means  of  protection.  These 
were  slight.  As  calmly  as  possible  they  awaited  the 
result.  Mr.  Walker  in  after  years  never  could  forget 
how  that  war  whoop  sounded  in  his  ears  —  as  if 
death  by  hostile  Indians  were  at  hand.  As  the 
Indians  came  nearer  Mr.  P^ells  first  was  able  to  distin- 
guish the  horses  and  then  the  friendly  Spokanes. 

The  chief  and  a  large  part  of  his  people  had  moved 
westward  from  Tshimakain  twenty-five  miles  across 
the  Spokane  River.  From  his  camp  an  Indian  went 
to  hunt  strayed  horses.  In  his  hunt  he  stopped  at  the 
camp  of  the  Cayuse  murderers.  He  found  that  a  few 
of  the  Cayuses  were  gone,  but  could  not  learn  where. 
He  suspected  that  it  was  to  Tshimakain.  If  so,  he 
was  certain  that  it  was  to  murder  those  there.  Con- 
sequently he  returned  to  his  people.  On  his  way  he 
came  upon  fresh  horse  tracks  which  so  strengthened 
his  suspicions  that  he  walked  all  night,  reaching  camp 
about  noon.  Quickly  he  told  the  chief,  who  imme- 
diately said  :  "  Young  men,  catch  your  horses  ;  hasten 
to  Tshimakain  and  see  how  it  is  with  our  teachers." 

Twenty-one  did  so,  and  with  the  few  weapons  at 
hand  commenced  the  ride  of  twenty-five  miles.  They 
rushed  down  the  steep  hill  south  of  the  Spokane  so 
rapidly  that  they  left  hoof  tracks  plainly  seen  several 
days  afterward.  After  they  had  crossed  the  river 
they  watched  closely,  expecting  to  see  some  woman 


I 


!  !' 


if 


^s. 


I 


itil 


n 


»     ! 


m  t 


in; 

if!  iS 


V\i 


FATIlh'IC   KKI.LN. 


or  v\\\\y\  ill  llijrht.  When  .'ihout  two  niiI(>H  from  the 
HJMtion  (lu»v  lMM\'nn(»  HMlislUMl  th;»(  no  oiio  Ii.-hI  Ihmmi 
Killod,  jilthoiijih  tliov  bolioviMl  \\\\\i  lioslil(»  Cmvuhch 
wtM'o  in  tlu»  rojrion.  ThoHo  in  (lio  v.'ui  wMitiMJ  for 
tlioso  fiirtluM'  l»oliin«l ;  lIuMi  tlu'v  Hlioutcd  \\'\\\\  joy  thiit 
''  Ihoir  toMcluMM  wcro  Hnfc,"  miuI  wi  the  hjumo  time  lo 
lot  tho  (MUMny  kiiou,  if  lurking  suiumuI,  lliiii  tlioy  niUHt 


lot  tl 


loso  tonohors 


mIoiu 


As  thoy  suspiuMod  tiiat  spies  wore  nosir  the  niissi< 


>n. 


Imrsos  woro  pl.-iood  in  si  pon  suui  looked  up,  lln^s  were 
kept  iMnninii,  .'ind  a  watch  during  the  niuht.  One  of 
those  Indians,  named  Chnrles,  was  more  intolli}j;ent 
and  less  oxeitahlo  than  many.  Wiion  asked  what,  they 
Avould  have  done  if  thev  had  met  the  Caynsos  with 
evil  intent  at  Tshimakain  he  replied :  ''  We  wonld 
have  i'ouiiht  them."  Sneh  aots  and  statements,  with 
others  like  them,  sIiowimI  ovidenoe  of  sincere  regard 
by  those  Indians  for  their  leaehors. 

The  Indians  then  asked  Messrs.  Walker  and  Kells 
to  iTo  to  their  oamp  to  hold  a  council.     The  decision 


was,  however,  that  it  was  better  for  them  tirst  to 


go 


to  Colville,  consult  with  ISIr.   Lewes,  and  then  retur 


n 


for  the  council.  AcccM'dinijly  the-  next  day  they 
started,  i^uarded  through  the  prairie  by  the  Indians. 
Most  of  these  returned  by  another  route  after  a 
short  time,  a  rather  secret  route,  so  that  the  enemy 
might   be   led  to  believe  that  the  teachers  were  well 


s  ?5a 


TlIK   MhSSION   llliOKKN   IJV. 


i;}5 


^iiMidcd,  but  n  few  of  i\\v\\\  kept  »riiJir(l  all  tlu*.  wwy  to 
Colvillc 

II  WMH  ll;t'M  decided  IIimI  Mr.  Wulkcr  hIiouM  rcjuniii 
id,  Mm5  fori,  while  Mr.  I'ielJH  HJioidd  «j;o  to  the  <'omi('il,  mh 
Mr.  Widker  wji.s  live  y^'.'UH  older,  coiiHiderMltly  inon; 
iidirm,  iiineli  h(«.'ivier,  jind  would  be  !i  hiiidrunc.c!  If  they 
nhonld  be  h.'ird  piiHhed  iind  id  tempt  to  llee.  Mr. 
KeweH  objeebMl  jo  Ihe  phm,  hHII  It  wjih  H<lopted.  A 
Miilllcient  giinrd  of  Indi.MiiH  whh,  however,  pro(;iired, 
not  one  who  wjih  siHked  declining. 

True  they  were  now  :dl  Hjife  toirelher  ut  the  fort, 
where  llu-y  eoidd  reniiiin  until  it  Hhoidd  be  H.'ife  to  jj;o 
elsewhere.  Hut  tlu»y  w(>re  not  lookinj.^  out  for  theni- 
H(>lveH  {done.  'I'he  work  now  wjih  to  kiM'p  the  Spo- 
kiines  sind  ms  ni:n»y  of  the  iieii»,hborini^  bunds  UH 
possible  from  joinln<j;  the  enemy,  for  lyin^  ruinorH  hsid 
lu>en  so  spreiid  nbrond  thiit  even  the  IndisuiH  sibout 
lM)rt  Colville  had  beconn^  so  hostile  that  Mr.  Lowes 
hud  nt  one  tune  durin*;  the  winter  ke[)t  his  fort 
Liuurded  night  nnd  da}'  for  two  weeks. 

WluM)  Mr.  Kells  rcuehed  'rshirnHkain  idl  wsis  cpuet 
with  no  evidence  of  devsistution.  From  this  j)hu!C 
one  h.'df-breed  turned  back,  afraid  to  go  further.  Tic 
was  willingly  allowed  to  dei)art.  Such  si  ])erson  would 
be  of  no  use. 

The  next  afternoon  Mr.  Kells  was  jit  the  appointed 
camp.     There  was  a  large  gathering  and  all  the  bunds 


!  !f| 


,  ! 


i 


i. 


:  !i 


I  ; 


■■') 


I 

i 


136 


FATJIEIi  EELLS. 


were  represented.  Sue-a-tul-ka-ku-sum,  the  father  of 
the  present  Moses,  was  there. 

"When  Mr.  Eells  asked  wliether  it  was  wise  for  him 
to  pitch  his  tent  the  reply  was,  *'  Yes ;  the  Cayuses  arc 
afraid  of  us." 

Tiiat  night  the  largest  lodge  was  closely  packed. 
When  Mr.  Eells  asked  what  they  wished  their  reply 
was  :  "  We  are  loyal  to  the  Americans.  We  are  ready 
to  make  proof  of  what  we  say.  We  are  scantily  sup- 
plied with  arms  and  ammunition.  We  wish  you  to 
write  our  words  to  the  white  chiefs  —  those  wise  in 
heart,  great  in  war,  and  powerful  in  speech." 

Mr.  Eells  took  a  Testament  from  his  pocket  and 
asked  Ce-lim-klim-a-lak-a-lah  and  Suk-a-tal-ka-ku-sam 
to  place  their  hands  on  it,  and  in  the  presence  of 
Him  whose  book  it  was,  to  speak  truly  and  faithfully. 
Their  faces  showed  that  they  knew  the  meaning  of  the 
act  and  words. 

The  letter  was  written  and  three  trusty  Indians  went 
with  it  on  foot,  first  westward  across  the  Columbia, 
then  soutii  to  Fort  Walla  Walla  (now  Wallula)  where 
they  recrossed,  and  Ah-ma-mel-i-kan,  one  of  their  num- 
ber, afterwards  the  patriarchal  leader  and  preacher, 
took  it  to  Fort  Waters  at  Dr.  Whitman's  station.  At 
that  place  orders  had  been  given  to  shoot  every  Indian 
approaching  the  place  unless  he  had  a  white  flag.  The 
sentinel  saw  the  Indian  coming  without  a  flag,  as  he 


THE  MLS  a  J  ON   liliOKEN   UP, 


137 


did  not  know  of  the  order  or  custom.  The  uppsiront 
feiuiessucss  and  innocence  of  tlie  Indian  staved  the 
shot. 

A  kind  Providence  preserved  him,  but  he  was  told 
that  when  he  should  come  again  on  peaceful  errands 
he  must  show  a  white  flag. 

When  he  returned,  though  by  a  less  circuitous  road, 
Mr.  Eells  was  there  again  to  receive  tiic  i)ackage. 
For  two  months  communications  passed  constantly 
between  him  and  the  militarv.  His  work  was  to  cor- 
rect  false  rumors,  quiet  fears,  and  keep  the  army  and 
those  at  Fort  Colville  posted.  lie  was  mostly  on  the 
move.  When  the  families  had  been  at  Fort  Colville 
ten  weeks  he  had  been  there  ten  nights.  All  this  time 
he  never  went  armed,  believing  that  he  was  safer  with- 
out arms.  He  was  counseling  for  peace.  He  had, 
however,  a  swift  horse,  which  no  Indian  could  catch, 
and  a  pack  mule  which  could  scent  an  Indian  half  a 
mile  or  more.  In  camping  he  selected  some  secluded 
place,  hobbled  his  horse  and  staked  the  mule.  If  any 
Indians  came  within  smelling  distance,  the  mule  would 
snort  and  tear,  awaken  his  master  and  warn  him  of 
the  approach. 

Only  two  or  three  times  did  he  feel  alarmed.  On 
his  last  trip  but  one,  when  at  Tshimakain,  and  ready 
to  start  for  Colville  he  was  induced  by  ihdians,  chiefly 
Palouse,  to  go  southward  in  an  opposite  direction  fifty 


!!; 


1  n 


I 


,.  r 


1  iJ 


I  a 


m 


'^    1 

.«^J 

,     ■",        ;  \l 

m 

138 


FATHER  KKLLS. 


niik'S  to  nejir  wliero  S|)r{i<j;nc  now  is.  The  ro.siilt  was 
fsivorablo,  for  he  was  cna.l)lc'(l  to  seiiil  iiini!  Iniliaiis 
and  a  wliite  man  direct  to  Fort  Waters  tin'ou^h  the 
midst  of  tijc  enemy's  country.  In  returning  lie  and 
Kdwin  were  alone.  He  wisiied  for  an  Indian  ii('li)er, 
but  his  Indian  goods,  with  whicli  he  iiad  l)een  accus- 
tomed to  remunerate  tliem  for  services  whiU»  with  him, 
had  run  low.  He  also  thought  ho  would  test  them,  as 
he  was  now  working  for  them.  The  result  was  he  and 
his  son  were  alone.  While  resting  at  noon  an  Indian 
with  a  gun  came  along.  The  thought  was.  Has  he 
come  to  kill  us  ?  Each  caught  a  horse  as  a  shield ; 
but  they  were  not  harmed. 

On  rca(!hing  the  Spokane  they  found  the  only  canoe 
on  their  side  while  all  the  Indhins  were  on  the  other 
side.  Mr.  Eells  was  not  accustomed  to  paddling  a 
canoe  and  the  stream  was  very  swift.  They  drov« 
their  horses  into  the  river  and  the  animals  swam 
across.  Mr.  Eells  then  put  baggage  and  saddles  with 
his  son  into  the  canoe,  took  it  some  distance  up,  and 
started  across.  The  current  was  so  swift  that  thev 
were  carried  down  an  alarming  distance  only  to  land 
on  the  same  side  from  which  they  had  started.  An- 
other attempt  was  made ;  again  they  were  carried 
fearfully  near  the  rapids.  The  Indians  saw  their 
danger  and  shouted  ;  at  last  when  very  near  the  rapids 
they  came  so  close  to  the  banks  that  Edwin  grasped 


THE  MISSION  BROKEN    UP. 


139 


a  pole  wliich  an  Indian  stretched  out  and  they  were 
saved.  They  eaiight  their  riding  horses  and  pack 
nnile.  While  Mr.  Eclls  was  saddling  one  the  boy  held 
the  other  two.  The  mule  and  then  the  horse  started 
to  join  other  horses  near.  The  boy  held  on  well ;  the 
horse  kicked,  the  boy  fell.  When  he  was  picked  up 
his  head  was  very  near  a  rock,  which  it  had  barely 
missed,  and  the  foot  of  the  horse  had  barely  missed 
him ;  so  no  bones  were  broken. 

This  journey  had,  however,  delayed  them  five  days 
beyond  the  time  for  reaching  Colville  ;  consequently 
those  there  became  so  anxious  that  they  sent  to  learn 
about  their  safety.  After  Mr.  Eells  met  this  mes- 
senger they  rode  rapidly,  for  the  son  had  said :  *'  Let 
us  whip  up  ;  mother  is  anxious." 

The  reply  came  to  the  last  letter  which  Mr.  Eells 
had  written  to  Fort  Waters.  To  meet  it  Mr.  Eells 
made  one  more  trip.  The  delegation  from  several 
Indian  bands  was  welcomed  l)y  the  soldiers.  That  was 
the  consummation  of  what  Mr.  P2ells  had  endeavored 
to  do.  Boldly  he  had  said  :  '*The  troops  will  not  harm 
those  Indians  who  do  not  join  the  Cayuses."  He  was 
relieved. 

Then  he  discharged  his  Indian  helper,  as  all  danger 
was  over,  and  went  alone  from  Tshimakaiu  to  Fort 
Colville.  There  was  no  occasion  for  haste,  no  call 
for  courage  or  energy ;   and  then  his  spirits  sank  tO 


»     t . 


r\ 


k  J 


140 


FATHEli  EELLS. 


the  lowest  ebb.  He  imagined  himself  dogged  by  one 
taking  advantage  of  his  lone  condition.  Timidly  he 
sought  a  camp  in  a  secluded  place,  near  Chewelah,  no 
even  pitching  his  small  tent,  but  tying  his  faithful 
horse  and  mule  near  his  head.  He  slept  soundly  and 
his  courage  revived. 

Mr.  Eells  went  on  to  the  fort,  where  he  arrived  May 
26.  During  the  preceding  ten  weeks  he  had  traveled 
about  fourteen  hundred  miies.  Chief  Factor  John  Leo 
Lewes  furnished  him  a  paper,  unsolicit^^d,  giving  his 
testimony  to  his  Christian  perseverance  and  praise- 
worthy assiduity  amid  much  personal  risk  as  well  as 
bodily  fatigue.^ 

On  May  28  two  Indians  brought  two  letters  to  the 
fort.  One  was  from  Colonel  H.  A.  G.  Lee,  in  command 
of  the  volunteers.  These  forces  had  chased  the  Cay- 
uses  north  of  Snake  River  and  so  far  out  of  the  coun- 
try that  it  seemed  useless  to  pursue  them  farther, 
although  the  avengers  had  not  captured  and  punished 
the  murderers  as  thev  wished.     Colonel  Lee  wrote  :  — 

*'  When  we  found  that  it  was  not  expedient  to 
pursue  the  flying  Indians  farther,  we  halted.  Thb 
question  was  asked :  Shall  we  go  back  to  the  Willa- 
mette and  leave  the  two  mission  families  of  Rev. 
Messrs.  Walker  and  P^ells?  That  could  not  be  thought 
of.     They  could  not  look  Americans  in  the  face  and 

*  Annual  Report  A.  B.  e.  F.  M.,  1849,  p.  $K)3. 


THE  MISSION  niiOKEX   UP. 


141 


say :  •  We  have  left  two  missionary  families  in  the  In- 
dian conntry  in  these  times.'  Voluuteers  were  asked 
for  to  bring  away  those  families  and  sixty  responded. 
Major  Joseph  Magone  was  placed  in  charge." 

The  other  letter  wai  from  Major  Magone,  who  stated 
that  he  would  be  at  Tshimakain  on  Sunday,  May  28, 
—  the  day  the  letter  was  received  at  Fort  Colville, — 
ready  to  take  them  out  "bag  and  baggage,"  provided 
it  was  best  to  go.  On  consultation  it  was  thought  best. 
Mr.  Lewes  had  protected  them  when  there  was  no 
other  way,  but  now  be  was  of  the  opinion  it  was  best 
to  go. 

The  next  morning  Messrs.  Walker,  Eells,  and  a  son 
of  Mr.  Lewes  went  to  Tshimakain,  where  thev  arrived 
before  sunset  —  seventy  miles.  Consultation  was  had 
until  the  next  day  at  noon.  The  Spokane  Indians 
were  decidedly  opposed  to  their  leaving.  When  the 
fleeing  Cayuses  had  come  towards  their  country  the 
Spokanes  had  sent  word  that  they  must  not  come  to 
their  lands.  The  Cayuses  replied  :  "We  shall  not  re- 
gard what  you  say."  Then  the  Spokanes  had  prepared 
to  fight,  though  this  did  not  prove  necessary.  Now 
they  said  they  could  protect  the  mission  families. 
They  were  told  that  if  these  families  should  remain 
and  mischief  should  befall  them,  their  people  might  be 
involved  in  trouble.  They  sai  J  that  if  necessary  they 
would  take  the  families  with  them,  even  to  where  they 


i   :;  I  ■ 


11 


I  ; 


1 

V 

1. 

'h 

''    : 

; 

i 

t 

V 

■ 

'  '■ '       ' 

1  ■ 

142 


FATHER  EELLS. 


should  dig  roots.  One  Indian,  opening  his  blanket, 
said  he  would  protect  them  as  a  mother  does  her  child 
under  her  blanket. 

The  gentlemen  started  on  Tuesday  afternoon  for 
Colville,  where  they  arrived  Wednesday  noon.  By 
Thursday  noon  all  were  ready  to  leave,  and  they 
reached  Tshimakain  on  Saturday.  The  opposition 
from  the  Spokanes,  however,  continued  to  be  so  strong 
that  the  missionaries  changed  their  plans  of  remaining 
there  over  the  Sabbath,  crossed  the  Spokane  that  night, 
and  spent  the  Sabbath  on  its  south  side.  June  J5, 
1848,  they  said  good-by  to  the  station  which  had  been 
the  home  of  the  adults  for  more  than  nine  years,  and 
the  birthplace  of  the  two  children  of  Mr.  Eells,  and 
five  of  Mr.  Walker.  Good-by  it  was  forever  for 
most  of  them,  Mr.  Eells  and  his  youngest  son 
being  the  only  ones  of  that  number  who  have  ever 
revisited  it. 

The  following  lines,  written  by  Mrs.  Mary  Walker 
for  her  children,  are  very  appropriately  inserted  here : 

Tshimakain  I    Oh,  how  fine 
Fruits  and  flowers  abounding; 
And  the  l)reezo  through  tlie  trees 
Life  and  health  eonferring. 

And  the  rill,  near  the  hill, 
With  its  sparlcling  water; 
Lowing  hertis  and  prancing  steeda 
Around  it  used  to  gatlier. 


THE  MISSION  nnOKEN  UP.  143 

And  the  Satihiith  was  ho  quiet, 
An<l  tlio  lo};-l)oiiH(i  chapel, 
Where  tht;  Indians  used  to  }j;ather 
In  tlieir  rol)cs  and  l>lanl<ctH. 

Now  it  stands,  alas  I  forsalien: 
No  one  with  the  BiljJe 
Comes  to  teacli  tlie  tawny  Skailu  * 
Of  Kai-li(')-len-s(')-tin.2 

Other  spots  on  earth  may  he 
To  otiier  hearts  as  dear ; 
But  not  to  nie ;  tiuj  reason  why 
It  was  the  place  that  bore  mc. 

Ou  the  Sabbath  there  was  a  service  in  the  forenoon 
for  tlie  whites,  the  families  sitting  upon  bales,  the 
soldiers  on  logs.  Towards  evening  Indians  came 
about,  and  Qual-qual-a-hive-tsa  said:  "We  do  not 
know  when  we  shall  hear  you  again.  Will  you  not 
have  a  service  for  us?"  It  was  held.  The  Scripture 
applied,  "The  people  departed,  sorrowing  most  of  all 
that  they  might  sec  our  face  no  more." 

That  week  took  them  to  Dr.  Whitman's  station. 
Two  Indians,  out  of  affectionate  regard,  went  with 
them  to  Snake  River,  and  there  CI  les  said  to  Mrs. 
EcUs  :  "Our  hearts  weep  to  see  you  go,  but  we  acqui- 
esce." The  next  week  took  them  to  The  Dalles.  Froui 
this  place  Mr.  Eells  took  the  animals  and  wiiit  over 
the  Cascade  Mountains  by  the  Barlow  route  to  Oregon 
City,  accompanied  by  the  volunteers.     The  rtist  went 

'I'eople.    2  God. 


% 


h 


I  I 


j  i^^B 

1  H| 

1       9^^v  iHr{> 

9W' '' 

Li   n  ikl ' 

144 


FATITEU    EKLLS. 


down  (ho  river  ])y  water  .iiid  reached  Orec^on  City  June 
22.  Mr.  Kells  arrived  two  days  later,  and  all  were 
rejuly  to  listen  on  the  followinp;  Sabbath  to  the  prcacli- 
ing  of  Kev.  (l.  II.  Atkinson,  the  first  person  sent  by 
the  American  Home  Missionary  Society  to  Oregon.  It 
W!is  his  first  sermon  at  that  place,  he  having  arrived 
during  that  very  week.  Colonel  Lee  then  declared  the 
upper  country  closed  to  American  settlers,  as  the  gov- 
ernment could  not  protect  them.  Thus  it  remained, 
until  opened  by  military  proclamation  in  1859. 

Tlie  missions  of  the  American  Board  in  Oregon  were 
broken  up.  Could  they  be  resumed?  The  only  mis- 
sion in  regard  to  which  there  was  any  hope  was  that 
among  the  Spokanes.  Hoping  that  the  way  would 
open  for  their  return,  Messrs.  AValker  and  Eells  did 
not  formally  sever  their  connection  with  the  Board 
for  live  vears. 

The  Indians  were  very  anxious  to  have  them 
return,  and  in  18;')!  journeyed  four  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  to  Oregon  City  to  obtain  teachers.  Dr.  Dart, 
superintendent  of  Indian  affairs,  did  what  he  could 
to  aid  them,  but  after  thoroughly  weighing  the  matter 
neither  Mr.  Walker  nor  Mr.  Eells  could  feel  it  his 
duty  to  return  ;  for,  first,  there  was  no  ade(iuatc  pro- 
tection at  Tshimakain.  and.  second,  the  cost  of  resum- 
ing and  sustaining  operations  was  very  great,  owing 
largely  to  the  high  prices  resulting  from  the  discovery 


TllK  MISSION   niiOh'hW    UP. 


145 


<»f  iTold  in  Ciiliforuiji.  Mr.  Eells  (ruU^uhited  that 
transportation  would  cost  ten  times  as  nnicli  as  pre- 
viously ;  in(lced,  procuring  8upi)lies  would  occupy  so 
unich  time  and  strength  that  little  would  be  left  for 
missionary  operations.  Ilencc  in  1855  their  connection 
as  missionaries  with  the  Board  was  formally  dissolved. 
''  This  step,"  wrote  Mrs.  Ktills,  "  has  been  very  tryinjj; 
to  my  feclinj^s,  })ut  I  have  acquiesced  in  it,  as  not 
seeing  any  other  way  to  do."  Yet  although  thus  out- 
wardly released,  their  hearts  were  still  in  the  work. 
Mr.  Kells  made  visits  to  the  Spokanes  when  he  could, 
and  Mrs.  Kells  as  long  as  she  lived  prayed  for  "  the 
aborigines  of  the  country  for  whom  they  had  labored." 

To  bring  this  Avliole  su])jcct  together  it  may  be  well 
to  anticipate  and  record  later  facts  about  these  Indians 
and  the  results  of  the  missionary  work. 

The  Indians  had  been  left  bv  their  teachers,  and 
the  question  was,  Would  they  return  to  their  former 
practices?  Instead  of  retrogression  came  advance. 
If  not  members  of  the  visible  church,  — and  not  one 
had  been  thought  fit  for  church  membership, — some 
showed  that  they  were  members  of  the  invisible  one. 
Several,  as  if  divinely  called,  took  position  as  leaders 
and  teachers.  There  were  public  Sabbath  services  and 
daily  worship  in  their  lodges.  If  the  head  man  were 
absent,  another  took  his  place.  If  the  praying  men 
were  all  uwa^,  the  praying  women  took  their  places. 


'^1 


^'|. 


T 


i^ 


'!       ' 


1      (I 


146 


FAT  HE  11  EELL8. 


Annually  some  of  these  Indians  were  accustomed 
to  go  to  the  Willamette,  especially  to  Oregon  City,  the 
metropolis,  for  work.  Their  constancy  and  apparently 
devout  manner  of  attendance  on  public  worship  were 
noticeable.  They  asked  persistently  to  be  supplied 
with  religious  teachers. 

In  the  spring  of  1850  or  1851,  when  about  to  return 
home,  they  asked  with  especial  earnestness  of  Dr. 
A.  G.  Dart,  superintendent  of  Indian  affairs,  for  such 
teachers.  He  was  expecting  to  visit  their  region,  and 
when  they  knew  this  he  said:  "They  would  not 
leave  without  a  promise  that  one  of  their  former 
teachers  would  accompany  me."  Mr.  Walker  decided 
to  do  so. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  commotion  about  Tshima- 
kain  in  the  spring  of  1848  the  wheat  had  been  sown 
in  hope  that  it  might  be  needed.  When  the  mission- 
aries left  in  June  Mr.  Eells  gave  the  Indians  the  two 
sickles  and  they  were  instructed  to  cut  it  when  it  was 
ripe  and  put  it  in  the  barn,  and  if  the  missionaries 
did  not  return  before  the  snow  should  fall,  they  might 
thresh  and  eat  it.  It  was  liarvcsted,  but  the  chief 
said  it  must  be  kept  for  the  use  of  tlieir  teachers  on 
their  return.  It  was  used  in  time  of  need  for  seed, 
but  was  replaced.  When  they  expected  Mr.  Walker 
to  visit  them  they  carried  it  to  Colville,  had  it  ground, 
and  brought  it  back  for  the  use  of  the  party. 


II 


THE  MISSION  BBOKEX   UP. 


14' 


!  ii 


Dr.  Dart  tiud  Mr.  Walker  started  according  to 
expectation,  but  were  overtaken  by  a  messenger,  who 
informed  them  that  Dr.  Dart  was  needed  in  southern 
Oregon  to  look  after  the  Indians  there,  and  the  trip 
was  necessarily  abandoned.  To  the  Indians  this  was 
a  great  disappointment. 

In  1855  Mr.  Eells  was  living  near  Hillsborough, 
Oregon.  About  that  time  the  Colville  mines  were 
discovered.  Among  those  who  went  was  William  II. 
Bennet,  one  of  Mr.  Eells'  neighbors.  When  he  and 
his  party  reached  the  Spokane  River  they  at  first 
found  no  way  of  crossing.  Looking  down  the  river 
they  found  some  Indians,  who  assisted  them.  Mr. 
Bennet  told  them  that  he  was  acquainted  with 
Messrs.  Walker  and  Eelis.  Then  the  Indians'  faces 
brightened  and  they  worked  with  delight.  After  cross- 
ing it  was  time  to  eat.  The  whites  said  that  since 
the  Indians  had  been  so  kind  they  ought  to  ask  the 
chief  to  eat  with  them.  They  did  so.  When  they 
were  seated  the  chief  looked  as  if  he  were  waiting  for 
something,  the  white  men  could  not  tell  what.  When 
they  had  almost,  or  quite,  begun  eating  the  chief 
bowed  his  head  and  asked  a  blessing.  The  whites 
were  rebuked.  AVhen  one  of  them  told  Mr.  Eells 
about  it  afterwards  the  narrator  said  :  "  Those  Indians 
were  better  Christians  than  we  vrere." 

The     Yakima    war    of    i855-56    followed,    which 


4      '^ 


y<,       I 


W 


1 

1 

i 
,         1 

1 

li 

II 

ii 
1 

,  i 

1 

■  1 
,  1 

Hi 

148 


FATHER   EELLS, 


extended  from  Rogue  River  in  southern  Oregon  to  the 
Spokanes  on  the  north ;  but  with  them  it  stopped. 
One  of  them  made  himself  especially  useful  to  the 
whites  in  the  Indian  attack  on  the  Cascades. 

In  the  war  of  1858,  which  resulted  in  the  defeat  of 
Colonel  E.  J.  Steptoe  and  the  campaign  of  Colonel 
George  Wright,  the  main  body  of  the  Spokanes  were 
engaged,  together  with  the  Palouses,  Yakimas,  Ca'ur 
d'Aleres,  and  Pen  d'Oreilles.  When  the  Spokane 
council  was  held,  in  which  it  was  decided  to  unite 
with  the  other  hostiles,  Big  Star,  the  chief  of  that 
band,  among  whom  missionary  labor  had  been  mainly 
spent,  opposed  it  as  long  as  he  could.  When  the 
decision  was  made  he  drew  off  with  his  band,  saying 
that  he  would  not  fight  against  the  whites.^  Kip,  in 
his  "  Army  Life  on  the  Pacific,"  speaks  twice  of  Big 
Star  and  says  that  he  talked  peace. 

Major  P.  Lugenbeel  was  in  command  of  Fort  Col- 
ville,  that  is,  the  new  United  States  fort,  for  years. 
He  also  acted  as  Indian  agent.  In  1861  he  said  to 
Mr.  Eells:  "Those  Indians  of  yours  are  the  best 
Indians  I  ever  saw.  I  wish  you  would  go  back  and 
resume  missionary  operations  among  them." 

From  1860  to  1872  Mr.  Eells  was  in  the  Walla 
Walla  valley.  In  1862  he  revisited  Tshimakain  for  the 
first  time  and  spent  a  Sabbath  there.     A  large  number 

>  Eells'  Indian  Missions,  p.  236, 


THE  Mission  BBOKEN   UP. 


149 


came  from  within  fifteen  miles  to  meet  him.  Of 
tliat  visit  he  siivs :  "I  made  note  of  the  evidence 
of  increasing  good  fruits  of  mission  work.  Those 
who  had  exi)erienced  the  saving  power  of  the  truth 
and  Spirit  of  God  were  distinguishable.  By  word 
and  deed  they  showed  forth  the  praises  of  II im  who 
had  called  them  out  of  darkness  into  his  wonderful 
light." 

During  the  time  he  was  at  Walla  Walla  a  number 
of  them  came  to  that  region,  especially  to  the  Touchet 
and  Walla  Walla  valleys,  and  worked  for  farmers. 
Many  often  attended  the  Congregational  church  at 
Walla  Walla.  Thev  could  not  understand  the  serv- 
ices  in  English,  yet  they  came  to  be  present  even 
at  these,  for  they  said  that  they  likod  to  be  there,  as 
they  knew  that  God  was  being  talked  about.  After 
church  they  remained  at  Sabbath-school,  where  Mr. 
Eells  gathered  them  into  his  class  and  taught  them 
in  Indian.  This  class  varied  in  numbers,  the  highest 
being  thirty-six. 

A  pamphlet  called  "  Scripture  Cuts,"  full  of  Bible 
pictures,  was  given  to  them  during  the  early  mission- 
ary period.  It  was  very  helpful  in  assisting  them  to 
I'cmember  the  Bible.  This  they  carefully  preserved 
and  often  when  they  had  an  opportunity  asked  to 
have  these  pictures  again  explained.  To  help  them 
to  remember  dates  a  simple  chronological   chart  was 


\m 


*-m 


150 


FATllKli   KKI.LS. 


\\  j„ 


5  ^if 


%  i 


in:uU',  Ji  lonji;  liin*  l•^'|>^('Houiin^  si  luiiulrcd  y<"ii'H,  si 
nliorliM'  oiu'  W\\  y»'!»rH,  siiul  .*i  Hlill  Hiiorlcr  ouo  ji  y«'!ir. 
Tims  llu'  tiiiu'  from  (lie  crcMliou  to  llu'  dclii^o,  lo 
tlio  tiiiu'  of  CliriHl,  \\\\k\  to  tlu*  incsonj  djitoH  could  \\v 
illustrsitod.  This  wsis  ko|)t  imlil  IMiiy  21 ,  IHCH.  The 
noxt  dsiv  tliov  woiv  to  Icsivo  Wnllsi  W.'dlu.  Aftor  m, 
tsilk  witli  ton  of  tluMU  sit  Ssibbsitli-scliool  iiiitd  four 
o'clock  Mr.  KcUs  went  liomc,  six  mihvs ;  but  thsit 
ovcuiiijz;  throe  wsilkcd  to  liis  housi'  for  furthtM'  insl ruc- 
tion, smd  A-msi-nu>l-i-ksin  prcsiMitcd  thsit  psipor,  ssiy- 
inj2;,  '^  Tcm-c-vnJsW  (It  luis  come  to  pieces).  Wy 
constant  use  it  wjjs  litersdly  worn  out.  A  new  one 
wsis  prepared  and  j:;iven   to  them. 

In  hS72  Mr.  Kells  moved  to  Skokomish,  on  Tuget 
Sountl.  Hefore  tins  Kev.  II.  II.  Spaldiujjj  hsul  returned 
to  his  work  among  the  Nez  IVrces,  and  the  yesns 
from  1871  to  1871  were  his  njost  successful  ones 
there.  When  these  vSpokanes  knew  not  where  else 
to  turn  for  instruction  they  applied  to  him.  lie  went 
among  them  in  1871  and  without  orgsmizing  any 
church  baptized  two  hundred  and  llfty-three.  Over  si 
hundred  more  were  baptized  after  his  death ;  not  that 
these  were  all  professing  Christians,  though  many 
were.     Another  reason  brought  others    to    this   step. 

In  1871,  when  President  (irant  adopted  the  })e5ice 
policy,  the  Spokanes  were  assigned  to  the  Colville 
Agency,  which  was  under  the  Catholics.     There  was 


THK   MISSION    liliOKNN   UV. 


151 


iniM'li  iMTort  to  iruliK't^  tliciii  to  )M<(M>inr  ('iitliolicH, 
('H|K'<'iiiIly  to  hv.  l>!ipliz(Ml.  Soiik;  yvMVH  jncvioiiH  w 
Catliolic'  iniHHioii  wuh  (^HiuliliHlMMl  about  forty  iiiilcM 
!il*ovo  'rHiiiiiiMkiiiii  iind  it  i)uinb(!r  of  coiivcrtH  wtu'i; 
iu.'kU'  ;  but  llic  ProtcHtnut  portion  would  not  JUMM^pt 
C.'itliolid  t('jiohin»>;H,  and  to  Have  thoiiiHcrlvcH  from  con- 
Hlant  iniportunily  by  ('athobcH  Honu;  who  were;  not 
n»al  ('hriHtiaiiH  aHkcd  for  and  rccuMvcd  l>aptiHni.  VVh(!n 
lliiH  was  done  tliat  importunity  ('(MihimI.  Still  iriany 
now  onoH  bocanu;  (/luiHtians,  for  Mr.  Spalding  bad 
l)riMi('b»'d  oarnoHtly  and  bad  uIho  Home  Nez  l*orcii 
li(>l[H>rH     \«lio  asHiHt(;d  liim. 

At  the  <Jongrej2;utional  AwHociation  of  Oregon  and 
WaHbliiiilon,  lu'ld  at  Olyinpia,  Deacon  J.  J.  McFar- 
land,  of  Salem,  who  as  n)illwri<i;bt  bad  b(>lp(Ml  to  build 
(he  (irst,  sawmill  at  Spokane  Falls  tin;  year  before, 
spoke  of  these  Indians.  Some  of  them  (Micamped 
near  tiiat  i)la('e  and  mornin^r  and  evenin<^  had  daily 
called  the  people  together  for  worsbij)  and  also  for 
two  pu])lic  Sabbath  services.  William  'I''  ree  Moun- 
tains, or  Auts-kai-ope-lea,   was  their  lead  r. 

Mr.  Eclls  heard  this  ;  he  heard  someth.ag  of  Mr. 
Spalding's  work,  and  he  was  drawn  as  by  a  magnet 
towards  them.  {So  on  Jnly  15,  1874,  he  left  Skoko- 
mish  on  his  horse  Le  lUau,  crossed  the  Cascade 
Mou!it:iins,  walking  about  one  third  of  the  way,  the 
horse  carrying  his  food  and  bedding.     He  went   by 


1 


'JtJ 


FAT  HE  K    I'Jl'J/J.S. 


•t  ill 


way  of  Wullu  Wsilhi  and  Colfux.  Wlicii  jiitohs  the 
Spokuiu*  Kivcr  Uy  saw  a  lodge  of  IiidiaiiH;  In;  said: 
"Do  yon  know  nie?"  "  Yoh  !  yes!  Mr.  1ah')«  !  " 
was  (III!  roply,  for  that  was  aa  correctly  as  they  could 
prononiu'o  his  name. 

Soon  he  met  others,  and  it  was  arranj^ed  that 
ho  should  hold  services  at  Chewelah  the  followinjj; 
Sahbath.  While  one  of  them,  called  Abrsdiam,  was 
ridinj;  with  hiin,  he  said  :  "  I  think  the  book  of  God 
is  like  a  torchlight,"  this  being  used  by  them  in  the 
dark  ;•  an  expression  very  nearly  like  the  Scripture : 
*'Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet  and  a  light  unto 
my  path."  Two  services  were  held  on  the  Sabbath 
with  these  Indians,  two  more  with  the  whites,  and  all 
within  six  hours.  After  this  Mr.  Eells  went  to  Fort 
Colville  to  see  the  Indian  agent,  J.  A.  Simms,  then  came 
back  to  the  Spokane  River,  where  he  conducted  more 
services,  and  finally  visited  the  embryo  town  of  Spo- 
kane, where  he  met  Rev.  H.  T.  Cowley,  their  mission- 
ary and  teacher.  This  mission  had,  in  connection 
with  that  among  the  Nez  Perces,  been  taken  up  by 
the  Presbyterians,  and  they  had  recently  sent  Mr. 
Cowley  there.  It  has  since  been  continued  by  them. 
After  that  Mr.  Eells  returned  in  the  same  way  to 
Skokomish. 

In  the  summer  of  1875  Mr.  Eells  made  a  similar 
trip,  leaving  Skokomish  April  21),  going  on  horseback 


THE  MISSION  IlIiOh'EN  UP. 


153 


to  tlio  Coluinbiji  Hivcr,  near  Monticello,  thence  by 
steunier  to  Portland,  and  then  again  hy  steamer  to 
The  Dalles.  From  this  place  he  went  by  land, 
preaching  on  the  Sabbaths  until  he  arrived  at  Old 
Fort  Colville,  ten  miles  north  of  the  present  town, 
and  then  started  on  his  return.  Both  going  and 
returning  he  spent  considerable  time  with  the  Spo- 
kanes,  holding  twenty-four  public  services  with  tlu'^m. 
Leaving  his  horse  east  of  the  Cascades  he  returned 
home  from  Wallula  by  steamer  and  cars  by  way  of 
Portland,  arriving  at  home  August  27. 

One  Sabbath  in  connection  with  Mr.  Cowley  the 
Lord's  Supper  was  administered.  Three  hundred  and 
sixty  persons  were  present  at  the  services,  the  com- 
municants numbering  sixty.  Mr.  Eells  says:  *' I 
made  note  of  the  propriety  of  language  used  in 
prayer." 

Mr.  Cowley  said  that  at  a  late  communion  service 
one  hundred  and  eight  partook  of  the  emblems  of 
Christ's  body  and  blood. 

At  that  time  he  was  requested  to  give  the  com- 
munion to  an  Indian  dying  with  consumption.  To 
questions  with  reference  to  his  views  and  feelings  his 
replies  were  intelligent  and  gratifying ;  his  feelings 
were  tender,  tears  flowed.  He  said  :  "  I  am  a  sinner, 
but  it  is  to  no  purpose  that  I  am  a  sinner,  since  there 
is  One  by  whom  we  may  live." 


I 


n^ 


r 


I  i 


'; 


[' 


■I 


•I 


I 


I 


154 


FATHEU  SELLS. 


In  the  surainer  of  1876  Mr.  Eells  was  asked  to 
preach  to  the  whites  of  Colville  and  vicinity.  He  did 
so,  giving  Ilia  Sabbatli  services  largely  to  tliem  and  his 
week  days  mainly  to  the  Spokanes  at  various  places. 
When  with  the  latter  he  usuallv  had  one  service  at 
night  and  another  in  the  morning,  and  during  the  day 
administered  to  the  sick. 

At  one  time,  when  Mr.  Eells  was  living  at  Tshiraa- 
kain,  a  limb  had  fallen  and  badly  injured  a  woman 
on  the  head,  tea^n^  away  the  skin.  Mr.  Eells,  then 
seven  miles  disttnt,  was  sent  for,  and  dressed  and 
sewed  up  the  wounu.  She  and  others  believed  that  he 
thus  saved  her  hfe,  though  he  hardly  thought  that 
true.  During  tnese  later  years  whenever  he  met  her 
s!ie  would  take  him  by  the  hand,  her  lips  would  move, 
evidently  in  recognition  of  the  divine  favor,  but  her 
voice  was  not  heard.  Tlie  last  time  he  met  her  she 
was  about  eighty  vaars  old  and  blind,  but  her  tongue 
was  loosed,  and  si .;  said  :  ''It  is  because  of  our  Maker 
that  we  are  spare^^  Meeting  you  is  like  meeting  my 
deceased  husboud  and  others,"  whom  she  named.  "  I 
believe,"  wrote  Mr.  Eells,  "in  answer  to  her  prayers 
God's  benediction  has  been  upon  myself." 

During  nineteen  weeks  of  that  summer  Mr.  Eells 
held  forty  services  with  the  Indians  })esideH  forty  more 
with  the  whites.  Tlieir  mo(^'^  of  living  was  much  as 
it  had  been  thirty-five  years  previous,  for  they  lived 


THK  MISSION  BEOKEX  UP. 


155 


upon  fish,  roots,  and  berries,  with  some  wheat  and 
garden  produce,  and  consequently  were  continually 
migrating,  as  of  old. 

No  treaty  has  ever  been  made  with  these  Indians, 
because  they  neither  wished  to  go  on  the  Colville  Res- 
ervation nor  that  of  Moses.  They  hoped  for  one  of 
their  own,  and  in  waiting  many  became  considerably 
discouraged  and  demoralized.  Some,  however,  too 
radical  to  wait,  took  up  homesteads  and  formed  colo- 
nics. One  of  these  was  under  Chief  Lot,  with  the 
patriarch  A-ma-m61-i-kan  as  their  preacher.  In  1880 
they  had  a  thousand  acres  under  fence.  Another  was 
begun  by  \>  iiliain  Three  Mountains.  This  person, 
then  about  sixteen  years  old,  in  1839  had  been  in  Mr. 
Walker's  familv.  He  was  cheerful  and  faithful  and 
learned  well.  After  two  years  of  service  he  left.  He 
had  learned  too  well,  for  the  chief  wished  to  excel  in 
Scriptural  knowledge,  and  when  he  found  that  William 
was  surpassing  him  William  was  hindered.  But  he 
was  not  a  Christian  when  the  mission  broke  up.  His 
own  account  of  his  conversion,  as  given  to  Mr.  Eells, 
is  as  follows;  "I  understood  the  teaching  of  Mr. 
Walker  and  yourself,  but  I  did  not  regard  it.  Subse- 
quently my  father  died.  I  heard  his  dying  counsel, 
but  1  did  not  regard  that.  Two  years  thereafter  I 
came  to  a  stand.  1  turned  about.  I  became  another 
person.** 


<  I 


■'  i^ 


III  ':i!^! 


'il-l 


Iff  ifi  I 


i    f 


156 


PATHEn  EELLS. 


The  change  was  noted  by  many.  The  date  was 
noticeable.  It  was  about  1864,  sixteen  years  after  the 
mission  families  had  left,  ten  years  before  the  great 
reviving  under  Mr.  Spalding.  From  1864  to  1883  he 
was  an  exemplary  Christian,  a  "burning  and  shining 
light,"  earnest  in  his  endeavor  to  elevate,  civilize. 
Christianize  his  people.  He  was  fearless  and  faithful. 
Then  because  he  rebuked  a  drunken  half-breed  he  was 
shot  by  the  latter  and  died  from  the  wound. 

At  the  present  time  there  are  one  hundred  and 
twenty-nine  of  these  Spokanes  who  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  They  are  organized  into 
two  churches,  one  of  which  is  at  Chief  Lot's  settle- 
ment, about  seven  miles  from  "Walker's  Prairie,  and 
the  other  is  near  the  mouth  of  the  Spokane.  Each 
organization  has  a  house  of  worship.  Native  Nez 
Perce  ministers  have  preached  to  them  mainly  during 
the  past  five  years. 

It  is  at  least  certainly  true,  as  Dr.  Eells  wrote  in 
his  centennial  sketch  of  the  Oregon  missions  of  the 
American  Board  —  even  truer  now  than  in  1876 : 
*'  The  earlier  and  the  latter  sowing  of  the  seed  of  gos- 
pel truth  among  the  Spokane  Indians  has  produced 
abundant  harvest." 

Rev.  L.  H.  Hallock,  in  his  sermon  at  the  funeral  of 
Dr.  Eells,  said  :  "Old  Indians  gathered  round  him  on 
his  visit   last   September,  and   almost   worshiped  his 


TBE  mSSION  BROKEN  UP. 


167 


venerable  form.  With  them  beside  a  fallen  tree  he 
knelt  in  prayer,  with  them  he  ate  a  frugal  meal  upon 
which  they  had  asked  God's  blessing,  as  he  taught 
them  long  years  ago,  and  with  them  he  will  sing  in 
the  eternal  life  unto  which  he  has  gone  and  they 
will  come." 


U 


:Mn 


^^th 


■i 


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h 


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mu 
% 


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f  ']^ 


I 


ii 


^ 


CHAPTER    VI. 

IN   THE    WILLAMETTE    VALLEY. 

1848-60. 

MR.  EELLS  was  now  safe  in  the  Willamette 
valley,  l)ut  that  valley  in  1848  was  very 
different  from  the  same  valley  in  1893.  A  large  popn- 
lation  had  indeed  eo>ne  sinee  1838;  the  tirst  regular 
inniiigration  arriving  in  1812,  the  first  with  wagons  in 
1843*.  After  that  the  immijjrants  came  bv  the  thou- 
sands  ;  still  the  United  States  had  not  taken  possession 
of  the  country  in  full.  A  provisional  government, 
temporary  until  the  United  States  should  assume  con- 
trol, had  been  organized  in  1843,  and  the  territory 
was  still  under  It.  True,  the  treaty  which  settled  the 
Oregon  question  had  been  made  in  June,  1846,  but 
the  question  of  slavery  in  the  territories  had  delayed 
the  organization  of  the  territory  of  Oregon.  On 
account  of  the  Whitman  massacre  Colonel  J.  L. 
Meek  had  been  sent  to  Washington  early  in  1848, 
but  it  was  not  until  August  14  of  that  year  that  his 
efforts,  with  those  of  Judge  J.  Q.  Thornton,  were 
successful.  Then  the  territory  was  organized,  and 
General  Joseph  Lane  was  appointed  governor.  He 
arrived  in  Oregon  in  1849. 

158 


IB 

e 
1 


IN  THE   WILLAMETTE    VALLEY, 


159 


The  entire  population,  except  a  very  few  who  had 
strayed  to  Puget  Sound  after  1845,  was  in  the  Willa- 
mette valley.  There  were  five  counties  in  all  Oregon, 
Washington ,  and  Idaho — Clackamas ,  Champoeg,  Tuali- 
tin,  Yamhill,  and  Polk  —  with  a  voting  population  of 
1,306.  Even  in  June,  1849,  the  census  gave  Oregon 
a  population  of  only  9,083. 

Portland,  which  now  has  a  population  of  ninety 
thousand,  had  then  one  store,  one  wharf,  and  a  few 
log  houses.  East  Portland  was  abandoned  as  worth- 
less about  that  time  by  Hon.  D.  Shelton,  who  had 
taken  it  as  a  donation  claim.  Even  as  late  as 
1850  Portland  was  known  as  "  a  place  twelve  miles 
below  Oregon  City."  This  latter  place,  known  as  the 
Willamette  Falls,  with  five  or  six  hundred  people, 
was  in  1848  the  social,  political,  and  commercial 
center  of  the  whole  region  west  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, and  its  supremacy  extended  to  San  Francisco, 
then  only  a  straggling  adobe  village. 

Astoria,  with  half  a  dozen  log  houses,  as  many 
sheds,  and  a  pigsty  or  two ;  Plymouth,  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Willamette ;  Muttnomah  and  Robin's  Nest, 
opposite  Oregon  City;  and  Salem,  were  the  other 
towns  of  Oregon.* 

The  news  of  the  discovery  of  gold  in  California, 


I  These  are  the  ones  mentioned  by  Thornton  In  hi9  "Oregon  and 
California." 


1118 

m 


li 


I?: 
ii' 


I 


4 


%: 


:!H 


l(  •:!■ 


i! 


1  |t| 
f5 


'.     i 


M 


). 


160 


FATHER  EELLS. 


which  had  been  made  in  January,  1848,  did  not  reach 
Oregon  until  the  August  after  the  missionaries  had 
readied  Oregon  City.  Monev  was  very  scarce,  and 
wheat  was  the  common  currency. 

There  were  three  Congregational  ministers  in  the 
valley  besides  Messrs.  Wali^er  and  Eells :  liev.  J.  S. 
Grillin,  who  had  conic  in  1839  as  an  independent 
missionary  to  the  Indians,  but  had  found  the  work 
impracticable  and  had  settled  near  Hillsborough  ;  Rev. 
Harvey  Clark,  who  had  arrived  in  1840,  with  the  same 
purpose  as  Mr.  Griffin  and  with  the  same  result,  and 
had  settled  at  Forest  Grove ;  and  Rev.  G.  H.  Atkin- 
son, whose  arrival  in  1848  has  already  been  mentioned. 
There  were  also  two  Presbyterian  missionaries,  Rev. 
Lewis  Thompson  and  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding ;  there 
were  two  Congregational  churches  west  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  one  at  Hillsborough,  organized  in  1842, 
Rev.  J.  S.  Grillin,  pastor ;  and  one  at  Forest  Grove, 
organized  in  1845.  The  membership  of  both  was  prob- 
ably not  over  twenty.  The  one  at  Oregon  City  had 
been  organized  a  1844,  by  Mr.  Clark,  but  by  vote  of 
its  members  was  Presbyterian.  In  1849  it  became 
Congregational.  It  then  had  a  membership  of  seven. 
Tlie  only  ciiurch  building  w'  ich  all  of  these  churches 
thoi  had  was  a  log  house  a  Forest  Grove,  which  was 
also  used  for  a  schoolhouse  —  for  Pacific  University 
in  embryo. 


i;:    ; 


ity 


O 


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v\\^ 


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^^  J 


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'V'.W 


\\ 


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f 'I 


IN 


II 

M 

'1 

.Si 


m  THE   WILLAMETTE   VALLEY. 


161 


This  was  the  net  total  of  Congrcgatiormlism  west  of 
tlie  Rocky  Mountains  in  June,  1H48  ;  in  fact,  all  there 
was  of  it  west  of  the  Mississippi,  with  the  exception 
of  twenty-four  ciuirciies  in  Iowa  and  one  in  Nebraska, 
unless  a  few  had  been  organized  which  have  since 
disbanded.  Wlien  Mr.  Eells  left  the  Missouri  for 
Oregon  in  April,  1838,  there  was  not  a  Congregational 
church  among  the  whites  west  of  that  river,  the  first 
one  having  been  organized  at  Denmark,  Iowa,  the 
following  May.  The  church  among  the  Indians  at  the 
Santee  Agency  in  Nebraska  is  the  only  existing  one 
which  dates  its  organization  previous  to  that  time,  it 
having  been  organized  in  1836.  When  Dr.  Eells 
died  there  were  46  Congregational  churches  in  Oregon 
with  a  membership  of  2,1)62  ;  99  in  Washington  with 
a  membership  of  4,085  ;  or  153,  including  8  in  Idaho, 
in  the  then  Oregon,  with  7,299  members ;  and  3,592 
west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  with  a  member- 
ship of  98,610.  In  fact,  |)revious  to  1825,  the  year 
of  Mr.  P>lls*  conversion,  there  was  not  a  Congrega- 
tional church  west  of  Ohio,  and  of  the  3,592  such 
churches  which  now  exist  west  of  New  England  only 
63  date  their  organization  before  1810,  the  year  of 
Mr.  Eells*  birth,  of  which  53  are  in  New  York,  7  in 
Ohio,  2  in  Pennsylvania,  and  1  in  New  Jersey. 

On  their  arrival  in  the  Willamette  valley  Mr.  Eells 
went  to  the  Aberqua  to  live  until  some  employment 


!'t 


TT 


f 


i 

,  -  ,      'l  i 

.  i 

,  ii  :^H 

WW  i'l    f  W 

'  i  im 

^r  ^  i' 

^  { M? 

V    '  \. 

1  ^  j~ia 

'           1 

II 

iui 

162 


FATIIElt  EELL8, 


could  be  found.  This  was  ahout  fifteen  miles  north 
of  Salem.  The  house  was  of  logs  with  a  puncheon 
floor,  —  that  is,  logs  siditin  two  and  hewed  on  the  split 
side,  —  without  one  article  of  furniture,  and  so  filthy 
that  Mrs.  Eells  wept  when  she  saw  its  cheerless  con- 
dition ;  but,  on  account  of  the  newness  of  the  country, 
it  was  the  best  that  could  be  had.  Mrs.  Eells, 
however,  soon  chased  her  tears  away,  went  energetic- 
ally to  work,  and  cleansed  it.  One  bale  placed  upon 
another  and  the  bass  viol  box  thereon  formed  a  table. 
While  there  they  had  only  a  limited  supply  of  utensils 
with  which  to  keep  house.  Their  largest  dish  was  a 
tin  wash  basin,  and  in  this  Mrs.  Eells  made  bread, 
washed  dishes,  hands,  and  the  like.  The  largest 
kettle  held  about  four  quarts.  Id  this  she  baked 
bread,  covering  it  up  in  the  as'ies.  They  had  neither 
bed,  bedstead,  nor  chair,  only  simply  their  personal 
clothing  and  bedding,  a  few  small  tin  dishes,  half 
a  dozen  tin  plates,  knives,  forks,  and  the  like. 

The  Methodists,  a  few  years  previous,  had  begun 
the  Oregon  Institute  at  Salem,  which  had  developed 
out  of  the  Indian  school  of  their  early  missions,  and 
has  since  grown  into  Willamette  University.  After 
Mr.  Eells  had  been  at  the  Aberqua  about  four  weeks 
Revs.  J.  H.  Wilbur,  William  Roberts,  and  A.  F. 
Waller,  trustees  of  that  institution,  invited  him  to 
t(^ke  charge  of  it  for  six  months.     As  he  was  waiting 


IN  THE   WILIAMKTTK    VALLEY. 


103 


for  fiirthor  dcvelopmontH  in  the  Indian  country  and 
liad  betMi  a  succossfnl  teaolirr  in  tho  East  ho  tliou*j;Iit 
it  best  to  accept  tlie  offer.  lie  went  there  in  tiie  fall 
of  1848,  being  engaged  for  six  months.  Mrs.  Kells 
assisted  iii  teaclung. 

"Here,"  says  Rev.  G.  Ilines  in  liis  "  II  story  of 
Oregon  and  its  Institutions,"  "  they  exerted  an  excel- 
lent influence,  and  contributed  nnich  while  they  re- 
mained to  give  character  and  stability  to  the  school."  ' 

These  were  the  hard  times  for  the  family.  While 
thev  had  been  connected  with  the  Hoard  thov  had 
received  no  salary.  Their  expenses  alone  were  paid. 
They  had  tried  to  be  economical  for  its  sake,  and 
hence  they  found  themselves  with  almost  nothing. 

About  August,  1848,  tlie  news  of  the  discovery  of 
gold  in  California  reached  Oregon.  Prices  became 
very  high  and  living  very  expensive.  While  at  Salem 
it  was  often  bread  and  molasses  for  breakfast,  black 
New  Orleans  molasses  at  that,  molasses  and  bread 
for  dinner,  and  bread  and  molasses  for  suppc  r.  The 
Board  finally  gave  them  the  personal  property  which 
they  held  for  it,  such  as  horses  and  mules,  but  it  was 
fully  a  year  after  their  arrival  in  the  Willamette  valley 
before  they  could  live  comfortably. 

While  they  were  teaching,  the  Congregationalists, 
mainly   through    the   efforts   of    Rev.   II.  Clark    and 

1  Page  228. 


): 


i 


ill 


1  I 


ft 


I 


104 


FATIIKIl   KELLS. 


Rov.  (i.  II.  Atkinson,  wore  hiving  the  foundations  of 
Tujilitin  Ac'idi'iny  and  l^mifu;  University.  Tlie  Con- 
«^r('«;:i.tionid  ])retlii'en  tliou^lit  that  Mr.  Kells  oiijjfht  to 
hthor  in  his  own  denoniin:ition.  Tiiey  ni'fi^ed  him  to 
tjike  churjije  of  tiiis  scliool  .'it  Forest  (irovc,  Hnyin<? 
thsit  it  must  <i^()  (h)wn  uidess  lie  siiouhl  do  so.  He 
finally  eonsented,  and  in  \M\)  removed  to  that  phicc, 
remainin*;  there  about  two  years.  Mrs.  Kells  assisted 
in  the  sehoolhouse  one  third  of  the  time. 

A  school  had  been  l)e«j;un  at  tiiis  place  by  Mrs. 
Tal)itha  Hrown  as  an  orphan  asylum.  At  the  first 
annual  meeting  of  the  Congregational  and  Presby- 
terian Association,  held  at  Oregon  City,  September, 
1H18,  it  had  been  voted  to  found  an  academy  under 
their  patronage,  and  it  had  been  located  at  Forest 
Grove.  It  had  absorbed  the  orphan  asylum,  which 
had  grown  to  quite  a  size  on  account  of  the  exit  of 
a  large  number  of  men  to  the  gold  mines  of  Cali- 
fornia, whose  children  were  left  here.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1849,  as  Tualitin  Academy.  April  4  of 
that  year  the  school  began  under  Mr.  Eells  in  a  log 
house  twenty  by  thirty  feet,  and  twelve  feet  high,  with 
puncheon  seats  and  desks.  A  log  was  split  in  two, 
the  split  side  was  hewed  as  smoothly  as  possible,  one 
half  being  used  for  the  seat,  and  the  other  half 
fastened  to  the  wall  as  a  desk.  The  Moor  also  con- 
sisted of  puncheons,  but  with  large    cracks    between 


' 

• 

• 

i  w 

■1  ■ 

y|| 

Ik 

A_, 

/.V  THE   WILLAMETTE    VALLEY. 


105 


thom,  one  of  tlicm  at  leant  so  larjfe  that  Ihe  writer, 
then  a  small  hoy,  wan  ahle  to  put  his  foot  tin'ougii. 
It  had  a  batten  door,  and  the  lo<j;s  were  so  cut  iiway  as 
to  receive  a  few  panes  of  i:;lass  for  windows.  'I'hus  they 
helped  to  lay  the  foundations  of  what  is  now  Paeific 
Uuiveraitv.    There  were  then  ahout  liftv  sciiolars  there. 

INIr.  Kells  thought  of  preachinu,  hut  such  was  tiie 
condition  of  the  country  that,  as  Mrs.  Kells  wrote, 
*'  a  conimon  laboring  man  could  obtain  about  twice 
as  much  for  a  day's  work  as  an  educated  man  could 
for  teaching,  and  a  minister  must  get  his  raiment  by 
the  sweat  of  his  ])row  almost  as  njuch  as  if  he  had 
no  calling.  This  was  owing  partly  to  the  distance 
the  people  lived  from  each  other,  partly  to  tiie  gold 
fever  which  took  off  a  great  proportion  of  all  classes 
of  men,  and  partly  to  the  want  of  proper  apprecia- 
tion of  the  worth  of  education  and  ministerial  labor." 
The  only  way  in  which  he  could  have  engaged  directly 
in  ministerial  labor  and  have  been  supported  was  to 
enter  the  service  of  the  American  Home  Missionary 
Society.  But  this  would  have  necessitated  severing 
his  connection  with  the  Board,  and  he  was  still  waiting 
to  see  if  that  were  wise. 

Wages  and  prices  at  this  time  were  about  as  fol- 
lows :  The  men  who  built  Tualitin  Academy  received 
from  five  to  ten  dollars  a  day.  A  mere  boy  could 
get   three   or    four   dollars    a   dav.     Cotton    sheeting 


j  m 


■■ 


riS 


i! 


!     ; 


[' 


\  1 


160 


FATUKIi   EELLS. 


wjiH  twenty  or  twenty-five  ceiits  a  yard ;  inferior 
rnlico  twenty-live  cents  ;  wheat  in  tlie  field  a  dollar 
and  a  lialf  a  hushel ;  fiour  eight  to  ten  dollars  a  hnn- 
»jred ;  potatoes  three  dollars  a  bushel ;  onions  fifty 
cents  a  dozen  ;  apples  the  same,  and  dried  apples 
from  sixty-two  to  seventy-five  cents  a  pound.  For 
teaching  Afr.  Kells  received  six  dollars  a  scholar  per 
term  of  three  months,  thus  obtaining  about  six  hun- 
dred dollars  a  year,  and  from  it  he  gave  during  three 
years  forty,  fifty,  and  one  hundred  dollars  a  year 
for  preaching.  lie  also  superintended  a  nourishing 
Sabbath-school  of  fifty  scholars. 

After  lie  had  taught  nearly  two  years  such  dilTi- 
culties  arosi!  that  he  resigned  ;  but  soon  an  earnest 
request  came  from  Kev.  J.  S.  Orillin  to  teach  in  his 
neighborhood,  about  eight  miles  from  Forest  CJrove. 
Mr.  Orillin  had  just  completed  a  good  schoolhouse, 
the  l)est  local  schoolhouse  in  the  region,  and  for  sev- 
eral years  a  model  for  others  built  in  the  surrounding 
country.  This  invitation  was  accepted,  and  for  four 
years  that  svas  the  scene  of  his  labors.  In  Auj^nnt, 
1851,  he  nu>v(Ml  into  a  part  of  Mr.  CJrilliu's  house 
and  lived  there  for  fifteen  months.  Then  finding  a 
donation  claim  of  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  for 
sale  near  by,  and  wishing  a  home  of  his  own,  he 
bought  it  for  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  This  was  his 
home  for  nearlv  \\\i'  vears. 


'   H 


»^' 


u 

fi 

or 


m   THE    \/ILLAMETTE    VALLEY. 


167 


In  1855  Mr.  Eells  received  dismissal  from  the 
American  Board.  It  had  authorized  him  and  Mr. 
Walker  to  return  to  Tshiraakain  if  the  way  should 
seem  open,  without  further  correspondence,  though 
they  said  they  did  not  wish  to  break  it  open.  It  had 
uri;ed  Mr.  Eells  to  go  as  a  missionary  to  the  Sand- 
wich Islands.  He  would  have  done  so  willin«rly 
liad  he  been  a  few  years  younger,  but  he  felt  that 
at  his  age  it  was  not  wise  to  try  to  learn  a  new 
language.  In  the  judgment  of  his  ministerial  breth- 
ren he  could  do  more  good  by  remaining  in  Oregon 
•and  laboring  for  the  whites  than  by  entering  any 
foreign  field. 

Of  spiritual  privileges  Mrs.  Eells  wrote,  November, 
185G :  "I  think  we  can  truly  say  we  hunger  and 
tiiirst  after  righteousness,  but  we  do  not  sit  under  the 
droppings  of  the  sanctuary.  There  are  many  tran- 
sient preachers,  but  very  few  places  where  a  stated 
ministry  is  enjoyed.  A  large  proportion  of  the  people 
are  from  the  Western  States,  and  d<>  not  know  the 
worth  of  a  settled  ministry.  They  somehow  seem  to 
f  jel  that  once  a  month  is  as  often  as  they  wish  to  hear 
tiny  one  man,  be  he  ever  so  good  a  |)reaclier." 

Having  taught  in  Mr.  (Jrillin's  schoolhouse  for  four 
vcars,  he  afterwards  taught  at  Hillsborough,  and  in 
tiie  North  Tualitin  plain  for  two  years*  more.  At 
the  same  time  he  preached,  as  he  found  opportunity, 


,i^Ji 


«:r 


:;*: 


■:■'■■■ 


.  ! 


I 


:;  I. 


■m    ■  •' 


1 

:  B| 

^  1 

i'-ft 

1 

ill 

I  ii 


I   ! 


If 


168 


FATUEU   EKLLS. 


I    i 


i 


\vi thill  oiiiht  iiiiU'H'  riidiiis,  two,  ilireo,  ami  soiiHMinics 
four  times  a  month.  Ho  rarely,  liowever,  received 
pay  f«>r  so  doinii;.  For  several  years  live  dollars 
j2;iven  him  by  Klder  Weston,  a  Iia[)tist  minister,  was 
all  that  he  received. for  these  servic  es. 

While  thus  en<z;aged  an  earnest  call  came  for  him 
to  ri'tnrn  to  Forest  drove  as  princMpal  of  Tualitiii 
AcadiMuv.  That  school,  rechartered  in  IHo-l,  as  Tuali- 
tin  Acadenjv  and  Facilic  Fniversitv,  after  various 
vicissitudes,  felt  Ihat  he  coidd  serve  it  better  Ihan 
any  one  else  who  could  he  obtained.  He  deemed  it 
wisi'  to  accept  the  otTer,  and  removed  a^ain  to  Forest 
(Jrove  in  IHo?  and  be*j;an  teachin«jj  about  Novem- 
ber 1.  The  enuau'ement  was  for  three  years,  either 
party  havinii;  the  privilei^e  of  terminatinjj;  by  ^ivin»4 
a  few  months'  notice.  The  school  received  new  life, 
and  llowrished  more  th;in  it  had  for  a  Vn\<^  time.  His 
relations  with  the  profrssors  wt-re  cordial,  his  church 
privileges  abundant,  and  the  family  ever  looked  back 
to  the  [)lace  as  in  reality  a  iuMue,  because  of  the  con- 
geniality of  spii-il  in  thosi>  with  wliom  they  were 
associated  ;  Mr.  ^Valker  .md  fannly,  their  old  asso- 
ciates in  till?  Indian  work,  President  S.  H.  Marsh,  and 


Prof 


i\ss()r 


II.  I 


yinan  i»einL!;  Miiiouij:;  iliein. 


As  a  teacher  Mr.  Fv'Us  was  considered  (piite  strict, 
and  very  watchful  even  when  lii>^  back  was  turned,  so 
that  his  pupils  sometinu's  said  that  he  had  eyc«  in  the 


i 


1  ■". 

1 

If! 

1     R 

■ 

►; 

Jl 

•>;,  ! 


I  J 
t'l 


If. 


ni 


I 


HI 


IN  THE    WILLAMETTE    VALLEY. 


169 


buck  of  his  head.  On  this  point  Miss  S.  I.  Lymau 
gives  the  following  in  The  Pacific  :  — 

"  Many  incidents  siu'vive  of  Dr.  Eclls*  teaching 
days.  One  I  will  relate  which  was  told  to  me  by  the 
chief  actor  herself,  a  pnpil  in  his  school  at  Forest 
Grove.  Said  she :  '  I  remember  how  Mr.  Eells  got 
ahead  of  mc  once.  \Vc  were  recpiired  to  write  com- 
positions every  two  weeks.  As  I  was  a  llnent  writer 
1  was  often  called  upon  to  get  up  compositions  for  the 
duller  ones,  all  this  being  unknown  to  any  one  })ut 
myself  and  the  one  helj^ed.  I  adapted  my  writing  as 
far  as  possible  to  the  supposed  ability  of  the  one  I 
assisted,  and  so  escaped  detection.  Tliere  was  a  very 
dull  girl  in  the  school,  who  really  could  not  write  an 
essay  to  save  herself.  She  ciime  to  me  for  help,  and 
1  good-naturedly  complied,  writing  as  nearly  as  I  could 
the    way  she  woulil  write,  wiiich    was    not  very  well. 

The  time  came  and  K arose   to  read  her  essay. 

Siie  was  about  hs.lfway  through  when  Mr.  Eells 
stopped  her,  and  wi  h  that  stern,  measured  voice  said, 

"K ,  did  you  write  that  composition?"    "  No,  sir," 

said    poor    K in  a  trem])ling  voice.     "  Who   did 

write  it?"  "C M ,"  replied  K ,  point- 
ing to  me.     "C M !     Well,  you    read  your 

composition,"  said  Mr.  Eells,  fixing  his  eyes  on  uie. 
With  burning  face  ind  faltering  tongue  I  arose, 
and    amid    the    laughter   of   mv   sclioolmates    read    fi 


ii 


M 


'V» 


f 


) 


170 


FATlIEli   EELLS. 


C'oiiipo.sition  of  very  inferior  (juality.  It  is  needless 
to  say  tliat  I  never  ventured  to  help  any  one  iigrun 
to  the  extent  of  writing;  her  eompositions.'  " 

Din'in"^  this  time  tlie  Congregational  ehureh  was 
rrected  at  that  plaee,  at  a  eost  of  abont  seven  thou- 
sand dolhirs,  tlie  membership  being  forty.  Before  it 
was  finished  Mr.  Hells  had  given  nine  hundred  dol- 
lars, ineluding  the  lots  on  which  it  stands.  A  debt 
remained.  It  was  desired  to  dedicate  it  free  of  debt. 
TIh!  proposition  was  made  to  as  many  as  felt  inclined 
t(^  pay  this  debt,  according  to  tlie  taxable  property  of 
each'  member.  A  few  were  readv,  Mr.  Kells  beini; 
one  of  them  ;  with  what  Mrs.  Kells  gave  their  total 
donation  for  the  erection  of  this  church  was  eleven 
hundred  and  fiftv  dollars. 

Mrs.  Kells  also  worked  hard  for  the  same  object. 
The  builder  said  that  the  pulpit  ought  to  be  furnished 
with  sofa,  car[)et,  i)liish  velvet  for  a  cushion,  antl 
trinmiing  around  the  stand,  lie  told  Mrs.  Kells  that 
it  would  fall  to  her  share  to  obtain  this.  Mr.  Kells 
said  that  the  purses  had  alreadv  been  so  severelv 
taxed  that  he  thought  it  would  be   luird   to  obtain  the 


fiflv  dollars  nevtUnl  ;   for  four  men   had  alreadv  <rive 


n 


about  four  thousand  dollars  fur  the  biiildinij:.  Some 
said  they  must  go  without  sofa  and  ctirpet ;  some  said 
one  thinii,  :ind  some  another.  In  two  davs'  canvass- 
ing   Mrs.  Li'lls  obtained    thirty-two  dollars  from  the 


t 
I 


Iff  THE   WILLAMETTE   VALLEY. 


171 


ladies.  Mr.  Kells  added  ten  more,  and  with  her 
eldest  son  Mrs.  Kells  went  to  Portland,  twentv-two  miles 
distant,  with  provender  for  their  horses  and  lunch 
for  themselves  for  three  davs.  Throui'h  rain  and 
mud  they  traveled  until  they  reached  their  destina- 
tion. Mrs.  Eells,  almost  fifty  years  old,  was  so  tired 
she  could  hardly  walk  straight.  The  required  articles 
were  obtained  for  the  forty-two  dollars. 

At  this  time  Mrs.  Kells  desired  deeply  to  lay  the 
foundation  of  a  professorship  in  Pacific  University, 
and  proposed  to  give  fifty  acres  of  her  share  of  tiie 
domition  claim  near  Ilillhorough  for  this  purpose.  Mr. 
Kells  tiiought  it  might  not  he  wise  to  divide  the  claim 
in  the  way  it  might  be  necessary  to  do  were  the  fifty 
acres  thus  given.  He  took  the  land  and  gave  a  block 
in  Forest  Grove  in  its  stead,  worth  at  that  time  much 
more.  It  was  so  given  that  tiie  income  should  not  be 
used  until,  by  compound  interest,  it  should  amount  to 
enough  to  support  a  professorship.  The  i)roperty  has 
been  carefully  handled,  and  at  the  time  of  Dr.  Kells 
death  it  was  worth  about  twelve  thousand  dollars. 
When  given  it  was  valued  at  five  hundred  dollars  ;  in 
1803,  one  fourth  remained  unsold  and  t'»at  was  valued 
tit  :il>out  three  thousand  dollars. 


CHAFIEU  VII. 


WHITMAN    SKMINAKY. 

1860-82. 

Ho  who  plants,  or  iiKls  in  planHiif^,  a  Christian  School  of 
Leamin{/,  may  bo  sure  'that  his  a.i,'oncy  Hlial!  yii;I<l  l)t!iicn<'<'iif 
fruilH,  ever  iiioro  ac.cmnulatiiif^,  till  tlu;  l\now!(Ml^e  of  Chri.st  sliall 
be  comi>lote  in  the  hearts  of  nu'ii.  —  IlAiMMOND.i 

"TTTIIILK  thus  at  work  Mr.  Kelln  felt  as  if  tlio 
'  '  Willamette  were  not  his  home.  His  eyes  con- 
timurlly  turned  east  of  the  Cascade  Mountains,  a  region 
to  wiiich  he  had  given  his  life.  The  Yakima  war  had 
occurred  in  1855-56  :  otiier  troubles  were  (quelled  in 
1858,  and  in  1859  a  military  proclamation  opened  the 
country  to  settlers.  During  all  this  time  the  American 
Board  owned  stations  at  Waiilatpu,  Lapwai,  and  Tsiii- 
makain,  and  Messrs.  Walker  and  Eells  held  a  power  of 
attorney  to  attend  to  its  business  with  reference  to  these 
places.  When  the  country  was  declared  open  Mr. 
Eells  turned  his  eyes  thither  and  in  1859  he  made  a 
vacation  journey  there,  partly  to  attend  to  the  interests 
of  the  Board  and  partly  because  his  own  wish  drew 
him.  At  Walla  Walla  he  visited  th.e  olil  mission  sta- 
tion and  the  great  grave  which  contained  the  remains 

'  Found  on  a  Drury  (Jolle>?e  map  of  Missouri,  whlcli  was  among  iJr. 
fells'  papers  after  tils  tlcaUi. 

m 


WHITMAN  SEMINARY. 


173 


of  Dr.  Wliitman,  his  wife,  and  nine  others.  Mr.  Eells 
thought  of  nil  the  work  ainon^  tiie  Indians  and  how 
it  iiad  terniinated  ;  he  renienibered  what  Dr.  Whitman 
had  done  to  save  the  eonntry  to  the  United  States  ; 
tlie  past,  the  tiien  present,  and  the  Tuture  came  to 
mind.  lie  afterwards  stiid  :  "  I  believe  that  the  power 
of  the  IIi«i;hest  came  upon  me." 

lie  felt  tiiat  something  ought  to  be  done  in  honor  of 
tlie  martyrs.  However  nmeh  he  ])elieved  that  a  monu- 
ment of  stone  ought  to  be  ereeted,  yet  he  felt  that  if 
Dr.  Whitman  were  alive,  he  would  prefer  the  monu- 
ment to  be  a  high  scIkxjI  for  tlie  benefit  of  the  youth 
of  both  sexes  of  the  region.  He  had  pn-viously 
thought  of  this.  Now  by  that  grave  he  solemnly 
promised  that  he  would  do  what  he  could  for  that 
object.     lie  determined  to  move  to  tiie  place. 

While  there  he  preached  tiie  first  Protestant  sernjon 
utterred  in  Walla  Walla  C'ity,  and  on  his  way  home 
assisted  Kev.  W.  A.  Tenney  in  organizing  the  Congre- 
gational church  at  The  Dalles,  the  first  one  east  of  the 
Cascade  Mountains. 

On  reaching  home  he  sought  the  advice  of  the  Con- 
gregational Association.  Its  approval  was  given  in 
tiiese  words  :  "  In  the  judgment  of  tiiis  Association  the 
contemplated  [)urpose  of  Ilrother  C.  Kells  to  remove 
tit  Wiii-i-lat-pu  to  establish  a  Christian  school  at  that 
place,  to  be  called  the  Whitman  Seminary,  in  memory 


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174 


FATHER  EELLS. 


of  the  noble  deeds  and  great  worth,  and  in  fulfillment 
of  the  benevolent  plans,  of  the  lamented  Dr.  AV^hitmau 
and  wife  ;  and  his  further  purpose  to  act  as  a  home 
missionary  in  the  Walla  AValla  valley,  meet  our  cordial 
approbation,  and  shall  receive  our  earnest  support." 

Dr.  Eells  gave  the  necessary  notice  for  the  termina- 
tion, al)out  the  first  of  March,  1H60,  of  the  agreement 
between  himself  and  the  Trustees  of  Tualitin  Acad- 
emy, about  eight  months  previous  to  the  end  of  his 
three  3'ears.     He  taught  through  the  winter. 

His  hope  was  that  while  waiting  and  working  for 
the  seminary  he  might  do  ministerial  work  in  the 
Walla  Walla  valley.  Application  was  accordingly 
made  to  the  American  Home  Missionary  Society  for  a 
connnission  and  support.  But  that  society  declined, 
stating  that  there  were  not  funds  to  support  so  expen- 
sive a  mission  ;  that  its  business  was  to  foster  preach- 
ing and  to  build  up  churches,  and  not  to  build  semina- 
ries and  colleges,  and  they  must  not  do  indirectly 
what  they  could  not  do  directly. 

Mrs.  Eells  said :  ''Are  you  not  released  from  your 
obligation  in  view  of  that  disappointment?"  He 
replied:  "  I  have  not  done  what  I  can."  He  did  not 
abandon  the  work,  but  he  changed  the  plan.  He  saw 
no  other  means  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  object 
than  to  labor  with  his  hands  as  Paul  did,  not  at  tent- 
making,  but  at  corn-raising  and  farinin 


g- 


During  the 


WIIITMAX  SEMINAItY. 


175 


winter  of  1859-60,  mainly  through  the  efforts  of 
lion.  J.  C.  Smith,  at  Mr.  Eells'  request,  a  charter  was 
obtained  for  Whitman  Seminary  from  the  Washington 
Territorial  Legislature.  Mr.  Eel's  had  offered  to  the 
American  Board  a  thousand  dollars  for  its  station  at 
Waiilatpu,  containing  six  hundred  and  forty  acres, 
and  the  offer  had  been  accepted. 

Not  having  much  money  at  hand,  as  he  had  given 
so  much  to  assist  in  building  the  church  at  Poorest 
Grove,  he  borrowed  a  yoke  of  oxen  from  Dr.  William 
Geiger,  and  with  his  own  span  of  horses  and  wagon 
he  left  home  for  Walla  Walla,  March  10,  1860,  with 
his  older  son,  then  eighteen  years  of  age.  They  went 
bv  steamer  to  The  Dalles,  and  then  hitching  the  horses 
ahead  of  the  cattle  to  the  vfagon  they  went  to  Walla 
Walla  overland,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  miles, 
iiauling  their  farming  implements  and  provisions  for 
the  summer.    They  reached  their  destination  March  26. 

In  1860  the  Walla  Walla  region  was  very  thinly 
populated. 

The  country  had  been  organized  in  1854  and 
included  all  AVashington  between  the  Cascade  and 
Ilockv  Mountains,  from  the  fortv-sixth  to  the  fortv- 
ninth  parallel,  except  Klikitat  and  a  part  of  Ska- 
mania counties  ;  but  that  organization  availed  notiiing 


n' 


as  the  region  was  too  dangerous    for   whites 


came  the  Yakima  war  of  1855-56  with  the 


Then 
battle  of 


'ii^^  i 


'i^li 


H    f 


W;; 


■■Mill 


111 


1 
1^ 


176 


FATHER  EELLS. 


Wallii  Walla  and  Colonel  Wright's  campaign  of  18;")8, 
by  wliicli  the  Indians  had  been  so  thoroughly  con- 
quered that  the  country  was  safe. 

In  January,  1859,  county  ollicers  had  been  appointed 
and  the  organization  took  effect. 

In  1859  and  I860  a  few  people,  chiefly  men  with 
stock,  had  settled  along  the  streams,  though  but  very 
few  had  come  to  make  permanent  homes,  as  the  land, 
except  on  the  streams,  was  supposed  to  be  worthless 
for  agricultural  purposes.  There  was  too  no  market 
except  at  the  garrison,  as  wheat  would  not  pay  the 
expense  of  raising  and  shipment.  Neither  were  there 
any  flour  mills  in  running  order ;  flour  had  to  be 
brought  from  Portland  or  else  ground  by  hand  in  large 
coffee  mills.  Walla  AValla,  which  in  1892  had  a  pop- 
ulation of  about  ten  thousand,  was  then  a  small 
village  with  five  families  and  about  a  hundred  men. 
It  had  received  its  name  only  during  the  previous 
November. 

Late  in  1860  the  gold  mines  of  Orofino  in  Idaho 
were  discovered,  the  next  year  those  of  Florence ; 
then  a  great  rush  into  this  region  occurred,  and  affairs 
assumed  a  different  aspect. 

The  summer  of  1860  was  spent  by  Mr.  Eells  and 
son  alone  in  a  log  house  fourteen  feet  square 
with  the  ground  for  a  floor,  and  dirt  upon  logs  for  a 
roof.     They    worked   during    the   week,    and   on    the 


WHITMAN  SEMIXAnr. 


177 


Sab})(ilh  Mr.  Eolls  would  gcner.iUy  go  from  five  to  ten 
miles  and  preach  at  dilTerent  places  in  the  valley.  On 
one  Sabbath  while  preaching  in  Walla  Walla  the  noise 
of  teams  and  freight  wagons  was  so  great  that  he  iind 
to  suspend  the  services  until  they  had  passed. 

That  summer  the  Fourth  of  July  was  celebrated  for 
the  first  time  in  that  valley.  Dr.  Eells'  account  is  as 
follows :  — 

"The  Fourth  of  July,  I860,  was  approaching. 
Major  Massey  said :  '  Ought  we  not  to  be  a  little 
patriotic  ?  Should  we  not  observe  the  Fourth  of  July  ?  ' 
That  had  never  been  done  in  the  valley.  I  made  no 
reply.  After  hearing  him  I  thought  it  over  and  con- 
cluded to  encourage  the  observance  of  that  day.  The 
following  week  I  made  a  circuit  of  the  neighborhood 
and  spoke  favorably  in  regard  to  its  proper  obseivance. 
Not  long  after  as  I  returned  from  the  field,  with  lioe  in 
hand.  Major  Massey  arrived  at  ray  house.  '  Yoii  set 
the  ball  rolling,'  said  he,  '  and  now  you  must  abide 
the  consequences.'  '  I  beg  your  pardon,'  said  I ;  '  I 
did  not  set  the  ball  rolling.  I  gave  it  impetus  after  it 
was  started.* 

"There  had  been  a  consultation  and  thev  a":reed 
that  I  must  be  the  orator.  I  was  without  books  or 
paper,  and  to  prepare  a  Fourth  of  Julj'  oration  seemed 
to  me  not  easily  to  be  done.  Further,  my  conveniences 
for  writing  were  not  favorable.     I   borrowed   a  book 


I  ■ 


R  ^ 


■I  [.' 


rr 


4 


I'll ' 

11:   I    1' 


!    J 

;  i 


\'n 


li!l 


178 


FATJtEJi  EELLS. 


iind  obtained  paper.  For  a  table  I  used  a  box  three 
feet  in  length,  eighteen  or  twenty'  inches  high,  and 
about  that  width,  and  for  a  chair  sat  upon  a  block.  1 
wrote  an  address.  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding  was  on  the 
Touchet.  He  was  invited  to  serve  as  chaplain.  The 
location  chosen  was  a  little  south  of  the  line  dividing 
Oregon  and  Washington,  near  the  foot  of  the  Blue 
Mountains.  On  the  Fourth  of  July,  1860,  a  congre- 
gation assembled." 

The  summer's  work,  chiefly  a  crop  of  corn,  brought 
over -seven  hundred  dollars  ;  enough  to  pay  for  nearly 
three  fourths  of  the  place.  In  the  fall  they  returned 
to  Forest  Grove,  where  they  wintered. 

On  December  17,  1860,  occurred  the  first  trustees* 
meeting  of  Whitman  Seminary.  The  simple  record 
in  the  journal  of  Mr.  Eells  is:  *' Messrs.  Hatch  and 
Atkinson  arrived  at  night.  A  harmonious  meeting 
of  the  trustees  of  Whitman  Seminary."  Mr.  Hatch, 
however,  was  not  a  trustee.  There  and  then  the 
board  was  organized,  and  the  seminary  located  at  the 
Whitman  Mission.  Mr.  Eells  was  chosen  President 
of  the  board,  a  position  he  held  until  the  close  of  his 
life,  more  than  thirty-two  years. 

On  account  of  the  scattered  condition  of  the 
trustees  it  was  very  difficult  in  early  days  to  secure 
a  quorum  at  any  place.  Of  the  original  nine  trustees 
two,  James  Craigie  and  John  C.  Smith,  were  residents 


IVHITMAy  SEMIXAIiY. 


179 


of  the  Walla  Walla  valley ;  Rev.  W.  A.  Teuney  was 
at  The  Dalles  ;  Deacon  E.  S.  Joslyn  was  at  White 
Salmon  on  the  Columbia  River,  about  halfway  between 
The  Dalles  and  Cascades;  Rev.  G.  II.  Atkinson  wi  s 
at  Oregon  City,  soon  afterwards  at  Portland  ;  Rev. 
H.  H.  Spalding  at  Brownsville,  Oregon;  Rev.  Vj. 
Walker  and  Deacon  E.  S.  Tanner  at  Forest  Grove  ; 
and  Mr.  Eella  all  along  the  line  from  Forest  Grove  to 
Walla  AValla. 

It  is  not  strange  that  Rev.  P.  B.  Chamberlain,  in 
his  address  on  "The  Early  History  of  Whitman  Semi- 
nary," June  3,  1888,  when  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of 
Dr.  P^ells  was  celebrated  at  Whitman  College,  in 
speaking  of  the  residence  of  these  trustees  whose 
homes  extended  along  three  or  four  hundred  miles 
of  difficult  and  extensive  travel,  and  of  those  early 
trustees'  meetings  said  :  "  Surely  no  infant  ever  so 
sprawled  in  his  most  awkward  attempts  at  creei)ing. 
The  efforts  to  secure  a  meeting  or  even  a  quorum  of 
a  board  thus  scattered  were  often  trving  if  not  ludi- 
crous.  If  one  or  two  from  here  could  be  induced  to 
go  to  T  .e  Dalles  and  the  one  at  Portland  meet  them 
there  with  those  residing  there,  a  quorum  could  be 
secured.  If  some  from  The  Dalles  and  some  from 
Forest  Grove  could  be  convened  at  Portland,  again 
a  quorum  was  obtained.  Or  as  a  last  resort  one  start- 
ing from  here  and  picking  up  another  at  The  Dalles 


i! 


I    1-: 
;  'i'J 

Mi' 
' '  it 

t:i»! 


V 


1;^ 


im:' 


..ii 

i'  [il? 

■  '■  1  ■  » 

i^ 

k, 

:■  II 

K 

:;| 

. 

:'j 

j)']l 

i 

■■■'  ■■- 

iH 

f 
' 

■1 

■■■1   ■ 

ni 

y. 

1 

1 

4 

<  ■nil 

I 

I   1 


I      I 


I 


|li 


if 


180 


FATlIKlt   EELLS. 


and  still  unotlier  at  Portliind  and  proceeding  to  Forest 
drove  with  the  two  there,  ii  quorum  was  the  result." 

In  INIarch,  18G1,  the  family  ajjjaiu  scparate(i  as  in 
18G0  for  the  season,  Mrs.  Eells  and  the  younger 
son  ])eing  left  at  Forest  Grove.  That  fall  Mr.  Eells 
returned  to  that  place,  but  left  his  older  son  to  take 
care  of  the  farm  at  Walla  Walla.  A  good  family, 
C.  H.  Adams,  wife  and  five  children,  and  another 
young  man  wintered  there  with  him  —  eight  in  all  —  in 
a  house  fourteen  feet  S(iuare  with  the  ground  for  the 
fioor.and  a  dirt  roof.  Jt  was  a  severe  winter.  Snow 
lay  on  the  ground  from  December  to  March ;  the 
mercury  fell  to  29°  below  zero ;  almost  all  cattle  died  ; 
the  ground  lloor  in  the  house  froze  and  thawed  around 
the  fire  and  made  nnid  ;  water  froze  in  the  drinking 
cup  on  the  table  at  meals  between  drinks  ;  Mr.  Eells' 
son  and  another  young  man  slept  in  a  large  freight 
wagon  all  winter,  never  taking  off  their  clothes  for 
seventy-two  nights. 

In  the  spring  of  1862  Mr.  Eells  again  went  to 
Walla  Walla  and  on  to  Lewiston  to  look  after  the 
mission  station  at  Lai)wai  in  the  interest  of  the 
American  Board.  IJelieving,  however,  that  it  was 
best  for  the  whole  family  to  be  together,  INIr.  Eells 
went  down  the  Columbia  and  out  to  Forest  CJrove 
for  the  familv.  Mrs.  Eells  vielded  with  regret.  To 
others  the  arrangement  likewise  seemed  regrettable. 


'1 

lit 


WniTJLLV  SEMINAliY. 


181 


ProfcBSor  W.  D.  Lyman,  in  spciikiug  of  this  event 
lifter  Dr.  Eells'  death,  says:  "Well  do  1  reiuember, 
though  not  more  than  eight  years  okl,  the  depart- 
ure of  the  Kells  family  for  Walla  Walla,  then  a 
mysterious,  far-away  region,  haunted  by  savages  and 
mixed  up  with  glowing  accounts  of  fabulous  mines 
and  gold  bricks  and  rich  diggings.  The  little  town  of 
Forest  Grove  was  all  astir  with  the  great  event  of  the 
departure  of  Father  Fells  for  the  '  upper  country.' 
When  everything  was  packed  and  ready  —  and  I  remem- 
ber with  what  activity  he  hurried  about  here  and  there 
with  his  boxes  and  bundles  —  he  looked  about  on  the 
little  company  of  tearful  neighbors — men,  women, 
and  wondering  cliildren  —  all  of  whom  had  known 
what  the  privations  of  that  pioneer  life  were,  and  in 
his  slow,  solemn  manner  called  on  several  to  lead  in 
prayer  and  then  to  sing.  It  must  have  seemed  to 
one  old  enough  to  understand  it  almost  like  the  part- 
ing of  Paul  from  his  disciples  when  they  sorrowed 
most  of  all  because  that  they  should  see  his  face  no 
more.  And  indeed  it  might  almost  have  seemed  the 
same  to  those  from  whom  Father  P2ells  was  then  part- 
ing. For  the  sanguinary  records  of  Walla  Walla,  the 
deeds  of  blood  that  had  before  driven  the  mission- 
aries out,  made  it  seem  to  some  of  them  almost  like 
tempting  Providence  to  go  back  so  soon."^ 

1  Whltmau  Collegian,  March,  1893. 


W 


■ 


«  I 


n 

I    V 


si 


;:|; 


I 


'ii 


I'' 


'  I 


It 


182 


FAriiEU  /'Ji:lls\ 


When  they  jirrived  at  Walhi  Walhi  after  a  dusty 
wagon  journey  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-live  mih's, 
althougli  a  better  log  house  liad  ])een  built,  still  tiie 
conditions  and  outlook  were  anything  but  satisfactory 
to  Mrs.  Kells.  She  aft(!rward  said  that  if  she  could 
then  iiJive  been  permitted  to  return  to  Forest  (irove, 
three  hundred  miles,  she  would  have  been  tem})ted  to 
make  the  journey  on  foot,  yes,  on  her  hands  and 
knees.  As  long  as  she  stayed  there  —  ten  years, 
from  her  fifty-seventh  to  her  sixty -seventh  year  — 
the  life,  the  lonely  farm  work,  and  the  want  of  society 
were  ever  uncongenial  to  her.  liut  her  great  object  in 
remaining  was  to  aid  her  husband  in  his  work,  for  she 
had  the  same  martyr  heroism  that  he  had.  Tliey 
staved  on  and  did  the  work  which  God  had  for  them 
to  do.  It  was  such  trials  as  these  which  our  fathers 
and  mothers  have  borne  to  plant  Christian  institutions 
in  this  land. 

The  way  did  open  immediately  for  proceeding  with 
Whitman  Seminary.  The  valley  was  filling  up  w^th 
settlers.  The  first  plan  had  been  to  build  the  Semi- 
nary at  the  Whitman  Mission  and  have  a  small,  re- 
tired, but  moral,  educated,  and  religious  town  grow  up 
around  it,  leaving  the  bulk  of  business  and  population 
to  go  to  Walla  Walla,  six  miles  distant.  Mr.  Eells 
could  not  at  first  easily  give  up  this  idea  of  having 
the   school   near   the    grave    and   the    scene    of    the 


'1 1 


with 
with 
Semi- 
l,  rc- 
)W  up 
atiou 
Eclls 
aving 
f    the 


V, 


r\  ■ 


V 


m 


■;  !i   f;i 


\TT 


i.r    i! 


'i 


I 


! 


'1 


WJII TM.  1  .V  SEMINA  li  Y. 


183 


laboiH  of  Dr.  Wliitiiuin.  IJut  as  the  couiitrv  settled 
it  Meeiiiod  us  if  tiic  original  idea  would  not  be  the 
wisest  plan. 

As  Mr.  Eclls  had  opportunity  he  continued  preaohini^ 
without  recompense  and  aided  in  pjoneral  I'dueational 
woriv.  He,  however,  sometimeH  felt  tliat  his  al)ilitii'H 
as  a  minister  were  small,  for  he  realized  that  his  want 
of  ministerial  study  while  busied  in  missions  had  pre- 
vented him  from  developing  as  he  could  liave  done  had 
he  been  engaued  in  more  direct  ministerial  work. 
Hence  he  thouuht  that  he  could  accomi)lish  more  by 
giving  moral  and  pecuniary  support  to  soiae  abler 
minister  than  himself.  Accordiniilv  \\v  gave  largely 
to  induce  Rev.  P.  B.  Chamberlain  to  go  to  Walla 
Walla  in  1863.  For  several  years  he  C(>ntributed  a 
hundred  dollars  a  year  to  support  him  and  to  build 
a  clmrch  there.  Himself,  his  wife,  and  his  older  son 
were  three  of  the  seven  members  of  the  church  when 
it  was  organized,  January  1,  18G5.  This  was  the  first 
Conffregational  church  in  Washington  Territory, 
although  the  territoiy  had  then  been  organized  for 
nearly  twelve  years,  and  had  a  population  of  about 
seventeen  thousand.'  When  Mr.  Chamberlain  visited 
Walla  Walla  to  see  whether  it  would  be  wise  to  locate 
there  he  was  in  doubt,  but  when  he  was  met  by  Mr. 
Eells,  whose    field    he  half  thought  he  was  invading, 

» In  I860, 11,594  ami  iu  1870  23.955. 


|i 


ii. ' 


Im 


1 1 


m 


m 


m 


1      >: 


II 


'Jii      ^Bfti;  I  ' , 


I      ! 

1 


;  ■ 


•jlttl^^^ 


■  !  i 


184 


FATHER  EELLS. 


with  such  cordiality  and  the  offer  of  a  hundred  dollars 
a  year  he  decided  to  come. 

Mr.  Chamberlaiij  built  the  first  church  with  his  own 
means,  but  on  July  11,  18G8,  it  was  burned,  and  he 
was  not  able  to  rebuild  it  without  help,  nor  was  it 
right  for  him  to  do  so.  Consequently  subscription 
papers  were  circulated,  and  before  everything  was 
finished  Mr.  Eells  had  given  eight  hundred  and  sixty 
dollars  to  it.     It  was  dedicated  October  25,  18G8. 

Those  were  the  days  of  horse-stealing  and  vigilance 
committees,  and  Mr.  Eells  lived  in  their  midst.  In 
1862,  when  moving  to  Walla  Walla,  his  sons  being 
with  the  horses  about  two  miles  from  The  Dalles, 
about  midnight  they  were  awakened  by  the  barking  of 
their  dog,  and  a  man  rode  up.  When  asked  what  he 
wanted,  he  said  plainly  that  he  was  hunting  horses. 
Undoubtedly  he  was,  but  he  concluded  that  those 
were  not  the  ones  he  wanted  —  just  then. 

During  the  summer  of  1862  Mr.  Eells  put  the  horses 
in  a  yard  every  night  and  his  sons  slept  by  them  until 
fall,  when  a  stable  was  finished,  where  the  horses 
could  be  locked  up  securely. 

In  the  daytime  Mr.  Eells  intended  to  keep  his  horses 
in  sight  when  thev  were  turned  out  for  grass.  One 
day  they  went  out  of  sight  into  the  bushes  on  Mill 
Creek.  He  started  after  them  immediatelv,  went 
where  he  had  last  seen  them,  then  on  the  road,  across 


i  tr' 


WIIITMAX  SEMINAllY. 


185 


the  creek,  and  through  all  the  bushes  to  the  open 
country  beyond,  listening  for  them  us  he  went  along. 
Thev  were  neither  to  be  seen  nor  heard.  Returninij; 
through  the  bushes  he  again  listened  and  at  last  heard 
a  little  rustle,  when  he  turned  to  the  place  and  found 
them  all  and  a  man  on  one  of  them.  He  had  managed 
to  keep  them  very  still  when  Mr.  Eells  first  passed, 
and  their  noise  was  very  slight  as  he  returned.  ''  Is 
—  is  this  your  horse?"  said  the  man.  Mr.  Eells  said 
it  was.  *'That  —  that  man  sent  me  after  them  and 
said  they  were  his,"  said  the  man.  "What  man?" 
said  Mr.  Eells ;  but  the  thief  could  not  tell.  In  the 
meantime  he  slipped  off  and  went  away.  Some  said 
Mr.  PLells  would  have  done  better  if  he  liad  caught 
the  man  and  lost  the  horse,  rather  than  to  have  lost 
the  man  and  saved  tiie  horse.  But  Mr.  Eells  was  not 
armed  and  the  thief  motioned  as  if  he  were,  and  Mr. 
Eells  was  so  glad  to  get  the  horses  that  when  alone 
he  did  not  think  it  best  to  make  too  much  elTort  to 
capture  the  rascal. 

The  Vigilance  Committee  was  at  work  during  IHOo 
and  186G.  Horse-stealing  and  similar  crimes  had 
become  so  rife  that  tlie  people  could  bear  no  more. 
Mr.  Eells  was  not  a  member  of  it,  but  onlv  because 
he  was  too  old.  His  oldest  son  was  (his  youngest  son 
was  away  at  school),  and  all  knew  that  the  father's 
syujpathies   v\ere  with  the  committee,  for   it   seemed 


'  -Mi' 


--  ■  I'i 
1 


*l 


III 


ii 


!!f 


m 


:*■■  \ 


'  I:' 

1! 


i 


m 


<iiii 


it: 


m 


'I. 


f 


.  I 


i  !: 


Hi 


186 


FATIJEll  EELL8, 


that  there  was  no  safety  in  any  other  resource.  Rev. 
Myron  Eells,  in  "An  Old  Settler's  Story"  in  The 
Tacoma  Ledger,'  gives  the  following  items:  — 

'*  The  first  man  —  a  horse  thief  —  was  shot  in  April, 
1865,  on  our  place  across  the  Walla  Walla  River, 
not  much  more  than  half  a  mile  from  our  house-  His 
name  was  Sanders.  He  lived  about  two  miles  from  us. 
I  heard  the  shots,  but  thought  nothing  of  them  until 
afterward  when  he  was  found  in  the  bushes.  It  seemed 
hard,  as  he  left  a  family,  but  he  was  undoubtedly  very 
guilty,  and  his  brothers-in-law,  who  were  members  of 
the  Vigilance  Committee,  took  care  to  see  that  their 
sister  did  not  suffer.  The  captain,  as  was  supposed,  of 
the  whole  organization,  William  Courtney,  lived  about 
two  miles  from  us ;  in  fact,  we  were  surrounded  by 
vigilantes,  and  they  were  good,  brave,  determined  men. 
They  waited  for  the  law  to  do  what  it  ought  to  until 
long  after  patience  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,  and  then 
they  went  to  vv^ork.  The  courts  would  sometimes  con- 
vict, but  the  blacklegs  elected  the  sheriff,  and  if  it 
were  winter  and  the  rascals  had  nothing  to  live  on, 
they  would  stay  till  spring  and  get  out ;  but  if  it  were 
summer,  tney  would  stay  a  few  weeks  in  jail  and  then 
say  good-by.  For  a  time  it  seemed  doubtful  whether 
the  vigilantes  would  win  or  not,  for  there  were  about 
four  hundred   on   each  side,  and   the   blacklegs   had 

»  Weekly  Ledger,  August  12, 1892. 


!  \ 


WHITMAN  SEMINARY. 


187 


spies  among  the  vigilantes ;  but  after  a  time  a  new 
organization  was  made  by  them  of  men  who  eouUl 
be  trusted,  and  they  quietly  went  to  work,  took  one 
man  out  of  bed  and  hanged  him,  then  hanged  six 
or  eight  more,  and  soon  about  seventy-five  of  the 
worst  blacklegs  left  the  valley  and  it  became  safe 
for  honest  men  to  walk  the  streets  of  Walla  Walla 
in  daylight,  which  had  not  been  the  case  for  some 
time  previous. 

"  The  next  summer  m}' brother  and  I  slept  with  a 
loaded  shotgun  on  one  side  of  our  ])cd  and  a  loaded 
revolver  under  our  heads.  I  well  remember  the  last 
man  that  was  hansred.  It  was  after  mv  return  home. 
He  came  to  the  house  and  wanted  to  stay  all  night, 
saving  that  he  had  been  there  about  the  time  of  the 
Whitman  massacre.  My  brother  was  away  at  that 
time  and  father  had  to  go  soon  after  he  came,  for 
he  had  engaged  to  deliver  an  address  that  evening 
some  six  miles  distant.  Only  mother  and  I  were  left. 
While  I  was  attending  to  the  chores  I  gave  him  some 
lectures  about  the  massacre,  which  had  been  recently 
delivered  by  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding,  and  he  read  them. 
At  night  we  had  a  long  talk  about  the  massacre,  for 
I  hoped  to  get  some  new  items  about  it,  but  I  learned 
nothing  except  what  was  in  those  lectures.  At  night 
J  gave  him  my  room  and  bed  and  went  upstairs  to 
sleep,  but  first  —  I  never  knew  why,  except  on  general 


*;l!J: 


{ill 


•  I 


m 


\t 


^^ 


0  m 


•:'i 


■  V.?^ 


i  r 


' 


18S 


/•M  /7//;/.'  h:/a,i.s. 


priiu'ipli'M.  for  I  did  not  IIhmi  niiMtnisI  him  to  Im«  m  tliirf 
—  I  wonl  ill,  Um'IumI  my  InmU,  mikI  mIho  look  my  n'vol 
vcr,  U\'«vin^,  ho\v«>v«M'.  \\\v   l)»>ll   mikI  m   mIu>m1Ii   Knift'  in 
tlu>  l»»'lt.      'rh«»  m»\l    mnniinfi;   .Ml'lcr   iMr.MklMHl    I    w«miI 
olT   In    \',\\\0    r:n«>   «»f   som«'   liorsoH. 

"  Thi'  ihmm  wrnl  inlo  llw  room  nml  Hl:jy«Ml  some  timo, 
:».s  my  molhrr  told  m»\Mn«l  tluMi  icll  l»»'foit'  I  rctiiriKMi. 
WhiK'  I  >v:>s  iiono  I  l»Oi»MH  lo  tliiiiU,  nnd  Av«)nd«M(»d  if 
thrro  wtMv  Mnytlunu  IIumo  Ihnl  lie  «'oiild  nIcmI,  miuI  could 
think  of  n»>(hini;  ho  wonhl   |»rol»Mhly  t:ik(»  cxcrpl    Mini 


kniXi 


As  soon  MS  I  \\c\\\  lu>nu'  1  wtMd   Mn«l  looked  to 


si^'  if  it  wiMo  tluM'i\  bnt  it  wms  iioni\  tdthouLih  the  1»(>1( 
w:is  loft.  1  missod  nothin»;  mor«^  iintil  Snnd.'iy,  whon 
I  found  that  ho  h:id  tnkon  m  silk  hMndk»M*'hiof  from 
n\v  SundMV  vo:\\.  1  wms  luckv  to  loso  so  littlo.  I 
nfforxYMid  h^unod  thnt  provious  to  this  ho  hnd  luul  :i 
ro>v  in  :i  OMmp,  stolon  sonii  thiniis  !in<l  burnod  (ho 
OMmp.  nnd  thnt  soon  nftor  ho  stnyotl  with  us  tho  vi^i 
ImuIos  onlorotl  him  lo  Iomvo  tho   vmUov,  htit   ho   wouki 


iu 


>t   (io  so.     Thon   thov    mMrchod   him   out,   hut.    in    m 


short  timo  ho  wms  hMok  MsiMiu,  Mud  tho  m^xt  thiui!;  tliMt 
w:vs  known  Mhout  him  wms  thMt  ho  wms  found  hMuni'd. 
Ho  WMS  l.oliovoil  \o  ho  m  spy,  siMit  by  tho  blMoklo«J!;s  to 
soo  whotiior  it  woro  sMfo  for  thom  to  roturn  or  not. 
Thoy  found  it  wms  not." 

In   NtvomluM'.  IStVI,  tho   propor  timo  Mrrivod   to  ii'o 
forwMni    with    tho    somiuMrv.      Tho    oriiiinMl    idoM    of 


WHITMAN   SKMINMtY. 


1S9 


liMvin^  it  ai  llio  Whiliruu)  iiilHHion  wmh  nhnndoiuMl 
from  forco  of  ,  iicnmHlimcrM,  rind  i(,  wmh  nOociitcd 
"Mi  or  n«>!ir   \\w   cily  nf    WmIIji   VVmIIm." 

Ki'V.    Mr.   ('liMiiilM'i-l.'iiii,   ill   llir  iiddiTMH    idrriMlv   re- 

ft- 

fiMTcd   lo,   ^ivTH  lliiH  di'Hniplinii   of  tJic   work:  — 


i( 


KivC    VCMIH   tllllM   |)!IMH('d    Jlflrf   lll(«   Hcliool    WHH    cllJir- 

t(MM>d  boforo  it  wmh  piM'tiiMiinitly  locMlcd,  mimI  even  llicn 
il.  WMH  *only  oil  pMpcr,'  if  not  '  u  cmhIIc  in  llir  air,'  for 
MH  y<'('  il  tiM.d  no  Mhidiii^  pJMCo,  no  Hctllcd  InhilMlion. 
IlMvinfjj  hroadiv  loculcd  il.  'al  or  ncMr  llir  cily  of 
Wsdia  Walla,'  IIumi  comnHMiccd  m  wcs'iriHoiiir,  pcrpicx- 
inji;  slrn}^<2;U'  to  lind  a  dcHirMJilc  and  oblMiiiaMcr  nitc  ; 
for,  Immiiij;  only  lK'<2;|j;MrH  forced  to  hcmmih;  jrroiindH  mh 
a  doiiMtion,  wo  <>oiil(l  not  HiiinniMrily  tMkc  onr  pick 
Mccordinjj;  to  onr  tcmI  ])rcf('rcn<'c.  ScvcmmI  dilTcrcnt 
IcKMitioiiH  cMinc  lip  for  coiiHidcration  Mnd  w(M'(^  care- 
fully canvMHHcd   by   the   tniHtci'H. 

''One  WMH  wiiere  .Indj2;e  liMHater'n  rcHidence  now 
HtMiidn  and  another  on  Second  Street  where  in  now 
I  lie  wood  yard.  All  of  these  Hiten  were  then  VMCMiit 
!ind  denirMble,  bnt  in  each  cane  there  were  found  to 
be  peculiar  diHiculties  involveid.  Some  (ronditionn 
wei«i;hed  a^jainst  the  first.  The  second  was  upon 
A.  W.  Roberts'  hoinesteMd  claim,  liavinjj;  still  some 
vcars  to  run,  and  hence  at  the  time  (MHild  not  be 
deeded  to  the  trustees.  The  third  was  upon  the  claim 
of    Mr.    Shuuble,    whose   wife   was   for    some    years 


!' 


i> 


1 


1 1 


i« 


^i\\ 


:|E 


•    >   f     ; 
\   (  : 


■  ,  H  ,    1 

J     iiki' 

1  ul 

ii 

! ',     ■  i  r*"  > 

■"l^l'F- 

■ ;';     ill; 

,-ji  .  ||B  / 

'iln  '    ^ak 

iM'         t  H  *' 

\\w--.  ',»  ■ 

■  W>  '^8  ■■ 

*^r           B; 

''     ^  m  ' 

,'ji/:      -ffi-' 

'  if'i'       Sb- 

'  n'       Ml 

11'     ^3^ 

^1  ^    I 

-  i^'jil 

\   ! 


> 


I 


(t 


ill 


IRl 


' 


190 


PATIIEJi  EELL8. 


mentally  disqualified  to  aflix  her  signature  to  any  legal 
document.  On  all  sides,  therefore,  circumstances  were 
adverse ;  and  after  almost  unlimited  planning,  wait- 
ing, working,  possibly  worrying,  all  of  these  sites  were 
abandoned  and  the  present  location  finally  decided  upon 
and  formally  adopted  in  May,  1866.  Seven  years  were 
thus  consumed  in  sticking  the  first  stake  of  Whitman 
Seminary." 

This  location  of  four  acres  was  donated  by  Dr. 
D.  S.  Baker,  on  certain  conditions.  Tiie  gift  was 
afterwards  increased  to  six  acres,  and  the  title  made 
secure.  Steps  were  immediately  taken  to  erect  a 
building  tvventv  bv  fortv-six  feet,  two  stories  high. 
It  was  built  during  the  summer,  and  so  far  finished 
in  the  fall  that  the  following  posters  were  billed 
through  the  town  :  — 

DEDICATION 
OK 

WHITMAN  SEMINARY 

On  Saturday,  October  13,  at  1  P.M. 

The  public  are  invited  to  attend. 

Rev.  P.  B.  Chamberlain  delivered  the  address.  He 
spoke  of  monuments  in  general ;  that  the  most  ancient 
were  quite  rude,  but  were  followed  by  those  of  higii 
architectural  skill.  Of  late  years,  he  said,  the  useful 
bad  been  combined  with  the  ornamental,  as  was  seen 


will TMA  ,V  ShJM [NAR  Y. 


191 


in  the  in:iny  IuiUh  wliicli  wi'ii»  hciiig  bnilt  in  tiie  easU'rn 
states  in  honor  of  our  l)rrivc  soldiers  wlio  had  fallen  in 
battle.  Two  thinjjjs,  he  said,  were  necessary  for  the 
erection  of  nionninents :  past  history  and  permanent 
poi)ulation.  This  vallt!y  liad  the  former  in  tin;  life 
and  labors  of  Dr.  Whitman,  and  the  success  of  the 
present  enterprise  gave  proof  that  many  of  the  settlers 
intended  this  valley  to  be  their  permanent  home. 

lie  then  sketched  the  life  and  labors  of  Dr.  Whit- 
man and  his  trip  East  in  the  dead  of  winter.  Next  he 
gave  his  ideas  of  the  free  school  system,  which  he 
favored  very  strongly  even  to  compulsory  education  ; 
but  the  seminary,  he  added,  was  a  place  where  those 
who  wished  might  obtain  more  knowledge,  a  step 
between  the  common  schools  and  college.  He  divided 
education  into  three  parts :  that  which  makes  us  to  be 
all  we  can  be ;  to  do  all  we  can  do ;  and  to  enjoy  all 
we  can  enjoy,  physically,  intellectually,  and  morally, 
dwelling  particularly  on  the  cultivation  of  those  facul- 
ties which  are  capable  of  enjoying  the  beautiful.  He 
closed  by  congratulating  Mr.  P^ells  for  his  tireless 
labors  and  in  seeing  his  hopes  so  far  completed. 

The  Walla  Walla  Statesman  of  October  19,  1866, 
also  said:  "The  trustees  express  their  gratitude  to 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Eells  for  the  spirit  of  benevolence  which 
he  has  manifested  and  for  his  zealous  efforts  for  the 
ultimate   establishment   of   a  respectable   educational 


M 


i 


Ml : 


1  f 


r  ! 

Hi; 


192 


FATHER  EELLS. 


institution  in  the  viiUcy,  to  be  reared  and  perpetuated 
in  memory  of  Doctor  Whitman,  who  sacrificed  his  life 
in  the  early  settlement  of  this  country." 

The  school  began  October  15  with  Rev.  P.  B. 
Chamberlain  as  principal  and  Misses  M.  A.  Hodg- 
don   and   E.  "W.  Sylvester   as  assistants.     The   next 

ft- 

March  Mr.  Chamberlain  resigned.  Mr.  Eells  had 
hoped  that  his  days  of  teaching  were  over,  but  no 
other  suitable  teacher  could  be  found.  It  seemed 
as  if  the  school  must  be  suspended  unless  he  took 
charge.  April  1,  1867,  he  assumed  control,  with  the 
same  assistants.  He  remained  in  this  position  until 
June,  1869. 

In  the  meantime,  June,  1867,  he  had  been  elected 
school  superintendent  for  Walla  Walla  County,  then 
embracing  all  that  is  now  contained  in  Walla  Walla, 
Columbia,  Asotin,  and  Garfield  counties,  with  nearly 
as  much  more  on  the  east  side  of  the  Columbia  River. 
The  region  was  nearly  as  large  as  Massachusetts. 
Some  of  the  school  districts  were  twenty  miles  long. 
His  ideas  were  that  the  common  school  and  the  higher 
Christian  institution  were  not  antagonistic,  but  in 
harmony,  the  former  furnishing  students  and  the  latter 
furnishing  teachers.  Hence  he  labored  for  both  at  the 
same  time. 

It  was  severe  and  strength- taxing  toil  for  him  to 
board  at  home,  six  miles  distant,  or  to  board  hidiself 


WHITMAN  SEMINARY, 


193 


at  the  Seminary,  teaeli  school  five  consecutive  days, 
spend  his  Saturdays  hugely  in  attending  to  the  county 
school  business  and  his  vacations  in  visitinjij  schools. 
Yet  he  did  the  latter  so  faithfully  tiiat  the  county  com- 
missioners willingly  raised  his  salary  from  twenty-five 
dollars  a  year,  his  predecessor's  pay,  to  five  hundred 
dolhu's,  the  highest  legal  limit. 

For  two  years  he  served  the  county  in  this  manner, 
and  for  more  than  two  years  he  served  the  Seminary 
as  its  principal ;  but  the  work  was  too  hard  for  a  man 
of  nearly  sixty.  His  family  too  bad  changed.  When 
he  began  teaching  in  the  Seminary  his  younger  son 
was  taking  care  of  the  farm  and  his  older  one  was 
teaching  a  district  school.  But  in  the  summer  of  1868 
the  younger  one  had  gone  to  Connecticut  to  study  for 
the  ministry,  and  the  older  one  had  taken  his  i)lacc. 
But  the  latter  was  not  satisfied  to  make  that  his  life 
work  and  wished  to  go  to  Puget  Sound  and  read  law. 
It  seemed  as  if  some  one  must  look  after  the  prop- 
erty. Certainly  some  one  must  stay  with  Mrs.  Eells ; 
hence  he  resigned  as  principal  of  the  Seminary  in 
June,  1869,  and  finally  withdrew  from  teaching.  Soon 
after,  in  August,  his  older  son  left  for  Seattle,  and 
never  made  Walla  Walla  his  home  afterwards,  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eells  were  alone,  except  as  they  had 
hired  help. 

When  the  Seminary  was  dedicated  in  1866  it  had 


l.i! 


m 


:    -^ 


W^P 


':  i^ll 


P!     ^-. 


VM 


rMiifn:  n/hj.s. 


ipiito  !»  «lolt1.  Tlio  rosf  liixi  t'xrtM'drd  ovprctiilioiiH  ; 
not  mII  (Iw>  HiihsriipfionM  li:i<l  I»»m»m  |>:»i<l,  miuI  on  Iomiih 
1Im»  ti'MHtt'OH  w«M«»  pMvinu  from  oiu'  lo  (w«»  prr  n<iit 
iiiltMi'sl  M  month.  INIr.  Im'IIh  Ii.-kI  j^ivon  llu'  Srmi- 
uMiv.ono  1>m1I'  llu'  Wlntmnn  niiHMion  cliiim  of  nix  liiin- 
drod  .'iml  forlv  mtioh.  'I\»  i»mv  llir  dcM  llu*  1iiih1«m'h 
IiMtl  olTiMvd  IhiH  for  two  tlionsnnd  d«)llMrM,  Iml  jlu'r(» 
\v;«M  no  pnrchnMi'r.  As  urcsidrnl,  of  1Im»  IlonnI,  Mr. 
Im^IIh  l)Md  siancd  nil  (he  nol(\'4.  Willi  snch  inlcrrHl 
1in;\n«'i:\l  rnin  >vmm  slMrin*>  the  insHtnlion  in  the  f.-n'o. 
It  soom*  d  :»s  if  tiu'  hnildniir  nnist  soon  be  sold  to  \y,\\ 
tho  debt.  A('('oj(lini>ly  ho  >vtMd  to  work  to  \y.\\  thoso 
dobts.  HosidoH  his  work  in  toMchijjii  Mud  mh  HnptMin- 
tondtMit  of  sohools,  ho  farnuMJ,  rnisod  stock,  sold  cord 
wood,  peddled  chii'kcns.  caos  Mnd  tin*  like,  and  Mrs. 
Kclls,  though  past  tifty-scvi>n,  nnnlc  fo\n'  hnndrcd 
ponnds  of  bnttor,  nntil  she  said,  "  I  can  do  ho  no 
lonaev- 


She  was  then  told  to  make  onlv  so  tnnch  as 


was  necessary  for  family  nse.     The  ]>roceeds  went  to 

«  *  ft 

l>ay  the  debt. 

It  is  hence  not  strange  that  William  Harrows,  !>.]>., 
in  an  article  entitled  "'•A  Day  with  a  Veteran  Korty- 
fiyo  Years  in  (^reo-on,"  said  :  ''  As  the  doctor  j2;aye  tlie 
details.  1  could  not  but  renioniber  the  pecks  of  corn, 
and  ]>ewter  plates  and  Hebrew  IMbles  and  salt  cups 
and  sheep  on  wliich  Harvard  (\illege  started.  Quiney, 
in  his  history  of  H.arvard,  wrote  at  the  same  tirnc  with 


I 


WIUTMAS   ,SI':MI,\AIC). 


105 


Htir|ii'iHiii^     iHM'iinirv    nix)     pinplircy    of     tlip     hiiiiililc 
lu'ioir  iM'uiiiiiinszH  mI'    Wliihn.'iii  ('ullci^i',  mimI  of  (!iii'lr 


>l>l< 


Ion  Ion,  HUM  hoiuc  ollirrn,  jj;i'<»Nvm^  lo  lir  h(» 
'  Thr  |MK»r  niii^ijiiil,  Hlni^^liiiijr  for  HiilisiMlrncj', 
mIimomI,  liouHclrHH,  ill  n  iiiMiincr  tlffriiHrlcHH,  Ih  j^iviiij^ 
jH'conliii^  lo  liJH  mciiiiM  iowjird  i-KlMliIiHliin;^  for  Inirii- 
iii<r  H  roHtiiijj;  pliKM?  Mild  for  HrinuM^  ii  (ixcd  liiil)il,;i,l,ioii 
on  (lie  liordciH  of   llir  vvildrriM'HH.' "  ' 

Nor  WMH  it  Hlnin^r  IIimI,  vvI;«'Ii  I)i.  IO<^IIh  rrljitrd 
soino  of  (li('H(>  iiicidciitM,  nt.  Mi<>  tuiniiiil  iiicrlini^  of  tlic, 
Aincriciin  lloiiir  MiHHioniiiy  Stx'icly  mI.  Siinilo^ii,  in 
.liims  I'SH'I,  OIK*  old  ^(Millcni.'in  in  oik^  of  Mm;  front, 
h«'!iIh  foH(!  with  f^rt^MJ,  cajrcriicHH  iiiid  oiIIimI  for  Uiohc, 
('oiiirilml.ion  Iioxch  ji^iiin,  HJiyin^,  ''  I  vvjint,  fo  ^iv<!  Iluit 
in.'in  Hoinclliiiiij; ;  "  niid  ho  u  liiindrcfl  dollnrH  (s'inir  for 
Hm;  iiiHtitiilion  ;  or  tli.'it  TIk;  ( 'on<^i(>(;alion)iliKt,  H!i,id 
tli.'it  ^*  Mother  IOcIIh'  ('iinrii,  with  wiiicli  kIic  iiiiidc,  ihat 
four  IniudrtMl  pouiidH  of  hiiltiM',  oii<^|it  to  Ix;  k(',)>t,  for 
un  honored  plnce  in  the  cjihincl,  of    Whilmjiii  Collcj^e." 

When  Mr.  Etdin  had  obtained  iill  tli(!H(!  not(!H,  which 
with  at'('nniuhite<l  intereHt  amounted  to  $2,'.)0(),  ho 
otTered  to  KurrendcM'  them  to  the  truHteeH  for  the  land, 
wiiieh  had  been  in  the  market  for  two  years  at  two 
Ihou.sand  dolhirs  without  a  purchawer.  ThiH  wjih  donc!. 
Some  one,  however,  made  the  remark  that  he  would 
make  a  good  thing  out  of  it.      He  tliought  within   hitn- 

'Ncw  York  Evangcllet,  April  3, 1884. 


iM 


!  ■  ' 


ib  i 


f 


lU 


It   ■  I*  ;     » 
■  n !! 


. 

I'll 

('■ 

i]M 

, 

■  Wir 

\ 

.  f  15^ 

i      ' 

h. 

' '  II » 

I 

i:B| 

i   ' 

I 

w 

Ill 


III 


iif'i 


Ii! 


196 


FA  TlIKIi  EELLS. 


Hclf:  "  Whnt  a  pity  tli:it  Hoiholunly  else  li:i(l  not  Heiise 
(3nonjj;h  to  perceive  tliut  tliey  eould  iiitike  ii  good  thing 
out  of  it !  "  j'.nd  lie  uIho  Hiiid  :  "  I  will  gjig  tiuit  person, 
and  thus  I  will  do  it ;  whatever  shall  be  the  increase  in 
the  value  of  that  pn)i)erty  the  sehool  shall  have  the 
liencfit  of  it."  When  he  sold  t!ie  plaee  in  1872  for 
eight  thousand  dollars  another  thousand  went  to  the 
institution. 

From  1869  to  1H72  thcv  lived  at  home  on  the  Whit- 
man  mission.  On  May  28,  1872,  in  some  way,  never 
yet  satisfactorily  accounted  for,  their  house  caught  lire 
about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  although  there 
had  been  no  lire  in  it  since  noon,  and  after  unavailing 
efforts  to  save  it,  it  was  consumed  with  the  greater 
part  of  its  contents.  Mrs.  P^ells  then  said  :  '•'  We  can 
leave  now  ;  we  have  nothing  to  leave."  They  did  so. 
Their  older  son,  who  had  been  appointed  Indian  agent 
at  Skokomish,  on  Puget  Sound,  having  seen  a  notice 
of  the  lire,  hastened  to  Walla  Walla  and  took  his 
mother  home. 

]Mr.  Eells  sold  his  place  for  eight  thousand  dollars, 
giving  a  thousand  to  Whitman  Seminary  and  another 
thousand  to  the  American  Education  Society,  as  a 
thank  offering  for  its  aid  to  him  while  obtaining  his 
education.  He  staved  a  little  longer  to  settle  his 
affairs,  took  a  trij)  to  Boise  City,  Idaho,  to  visit  his 
younger  son,  who  was  preaching  there,  then  returned 


l'::| 


WHITMAN  SEMINARY. 


197 


and  went  acrosH  the  CuHcaile  Mountains  with  his  horao 
to  l*U|^t't  Soniul,  and  before  winter  was  vvitii  his  wife 
at  Skokoniish,  and  their  life  at  Walla  Walla  was  at 
an  end. 

After  Mr.  Eells'  departure  the  Seminary  had  a  very 
precarious  existence  for  a  number  of  years.  Some- 
times there  was  no  school  in  the  building.  Mr.  Eells 
sometimes  felt  as  if  all  that  he  had  done  might  be  lost. 
Still  he  prayed  for  it,  and  gave  it  the  best  advice  ho 
could.  The  other  trustees  never  took  an  important 
step  without  consulting  him.  From  1872  to  1880  no 
records  of  the  trustees  were  kept:  for  they,  feeling 
unable  to  pay  good  teachers,  adopted  the  i)olicy  of 
allowing  any  teacher  of  standing  to  use  the  buiUling 
for  maintaining  a  school  at  his  own  risk  and 
responsibility. 

After  Mr.  Eells'  resignation  in  1869,  the  following  is 
a  brief  sketch  of  the  Seminary  and  its  teachers  until 
1882:  — 

During  the  year  1869-70  the  institution  was  closed. 
Professor  W.  W.  Freeman  taught  in  1870-71,  about 
seven  eighths  of  the  academic  year ;  Rev.  P.  B. 
Ciiamberlain,  1871-72,  about  three  fourths  of  the 
school  year ;  Rev.  D.  E.  Jennings,  assisted  by  his 
wife,  a  brief  time ;  Professor  Crawford,  one  season, 
twenty-five  weeks  ;  Miss  Simpson,  one  season,  twenty- 
live  weeks  ;  Professor  William  Marriner,  two  seasons ; 


'I' 


:m  " 


•  ;  !'  ;       I 


(t 

I 

1   . 

198 


FATHER  EELLS. 


Professor  W.  K.  Grim,  two  seasons ;  Professor  H. 
Lyman,  succeeded  ])y  his  son.  Professor  W.  D.  Lyman, 
one  season,  they  being  assisted  by  Rev.  H.  8.  Lyman 
and  Miss  Sarah  I.  Lyman  ;  Professor  J.  W.  Hrock, 
one  season ;  Professor  Rodgers,  a  short  season  ;  Pro- 
fessor William  Marriuer,  a  very  short  season,  followed 
by  a  suspension  for  two  years ;  Rev.  Vj.  R.  lieach, 
assisted  by  his  wife  and  Miss  Gustin,  about  two  thirds 
of  a  season,  1881-82. 

During  these  years  matters  often  looked  very  dark 
for' the  Seminary.  There  was  no  endowment  fund  to 
assure  salaries  for  teachers,  and  it  was  impossible  for 
those  who  taught  to  carry  it  on  steadily  and  success- 
fully for  the  receipts  from  tuition. 


■I 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


WHITMAN    COLLEGE. 


1882-93. 


\m 


AT  this  point  it  may  be  advisable  to  anticipate, 
-lX  and  to  give  an  account  of  Dr.  p^ells'  fiirtiier 
labors  for  tJie  college. 

In  1880  Dr.  G.  H.  Atkinson,  one  of  the  trustees, 
Willie  conferring  with  the  officers  of  the  American 
College  and  Educational  Society  in  Boston,  secured  a 
promise  that  this  institution  should  be  placed  on  its 
list  as  the  college  in  Washington  Territory  to  obtain 
its  patronage  as  soon  as  it  could  fulfill  the  required 
conditions  of  the  society  as  to  collegiate  classes  and 
the  like. 

President  A.  J.  Anderson,  then  at  the  head  of  the 
Washington  Territory  University,  at  Seattle,  one  of 
the  successful  educators  of  the  coast,  was  obtained 
as  its  president,  his  services  beginning  in  September, 
1882;  forty  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Walla  Walla 
guaranteed  tliree  thousand  dollars  for  three  years  for 
the  salaries  of  teachers,  should  funds  be  needed  after 
till  tuition  fees  were  paid ;  and  the  institution  took  a 

199 


i 


h 

■I 


( 


ii 


. 


PT'^ 


!    ! 


■j' 


200 


FATHER  EELLS. 


step  forward.  In  May,  1883,  it  was  formally  adopted 
by  the  College  Society  ;  and  in  November  of  the  same 
year  the  charter  was  changed  by  the  legislature  to 
allow  it  to  become  a  college  and  to  exempt  its  property 
from  taxation. 

From  1882  until  1891  Dr.  Anderson  remained 
president.  His  relations  with  Dr.  Eells  were  very 
cordial,  nor  could  Dr.  Eells  reconcile  himself  to  the 
resignation  of  President  Anderson  at  that  time,  for 
they  worked  together  hand  in  hand  and  heart  to  heart, 
each  putting  his  whole  soul  into  the  work.  In  1885 
he  wrote  to  Dr.  Anc'.rjrson:  *' According  to  my  ability 
I  have  a  grateful  appreciation  of  the  service  performed 
by  3'ourself  as  president  of  Whitman  Seminary  and 
College.  The  arduousness  of  the  duties  incident  to 
the  trying  position  I  but  partially  comprehend.  I 
would  that  befitting  tribute  be  paid  to  the  voluntary 
and  unpaid  service  performed  by  yourseL  in  con- 
nection with  the  erection  of  the  College  Hall  and 
Ladies'  Hall ;  also,  of  Mr.  Anderson  in  the  latter.  At 
no  former  date  in  your  work  in  Walla  Walla  have  I 
placed  a  higher  estimate  upon  your  ability,  devotion, 
and  efficiency  than  at  the  present  time.  I  cordially 
commend  you  to  the  favor  of  Him  whose  resources 
are  infinite." 

Soon,  however,  it  became  evident  that  more  money 
must  be  obtained,  and  that  from  the  East.     No  college 


I 


WHITMAX  COLLEGE. 


201 


can  succeed  without  an  endowment.  Dr.  William 
Barrows,  of  IMassachusetts,  a  good  writer,  a  firm  friend 
of  the  college  and  of  Dr.  Whitman's  work,  which  he 
had  highly  extolled  in  his  "Oregon,"  was  chosen 
financial  agent,  and  others  aided,  but  they  obtained 
little  monev. 

In  June,  1883,  with  the  cordial  approval  of  the 
College  Society,  tlie  trustees  informally  selected  Dr. 
Atkinson  to  go  East  as  its  agent ;  but  as  he  was  then 
superintendent  of  Home  Missions  for  Oregon  and 
Washington,  he  said  to  Dr.  Eells :  "I  cannot  be 
spared  so  long ;  but  if  you  will  go  with  me,  I  think 
that  we  two  can  do  as  much  or  more  in  six  months 
as  one  can  in  twelve  months."  Dr.  Eells  could  not 
decline.  Dr.  Atkinson  added,  however,  that  he  must 
obtain  the  consent  of  the  society  at  New  York  and  this 
would  require  time.  Accordingly,  the  two  were 
elected  by  the  trustees,  although  one  trustee  did  not 
vote  for  Dr.  Eells,  believing  him  to  be  too  old,  for  he 
was  in  his  seventy-fourth  year,  and  his  sons  felt  that 
it  would  be  too  much  for  him  to  do  the  work,  and 
especially  to  meet  the  rebuffs  which  he  would  neces- 
sarily encounter.  At  Cheney,  in  September  following, 
Dr.  Atkinson  and  Dr.  Eells  met  again,  and  Dr.  Eells 
said:  "I  do  not  feel  able  to  go;  you.  Dr.  Atkinson, 
go  on  this  fall,  and  I  will,  if  able,  expect  to  meet  you 
in  the  spring."     He  had  previously  planned  to  obtain 


! 


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i202 


FATJfia!   1:1:  U.S. 


Hev.  N.  F.  Cobloigh  to  jjjo  in  liis  ])1ji(m»,  but  iluit 
jirr:iiii»tMiuMit   luid  provtMl  iinpmcticMltK'. 

''That  nisj:lit,"  Dr.  Kolls  h.ivs,  ''I  wont  to  my 
lo(l«i:inu;  \\\\i\  as('(Mui('(l  tho  l.'uldcr  to  my  HUH»j)iM^  upart- 
monts.  I  lily  down  npon  my  stniw  bod  :ind  ^\v\){..  I 
jiwoko.  IIo:ivon  and  onrth  HiuMned  to  me  to  be  not 
far  apart.  lA'ini;"  upon  my  l)ac'k,  such  were  my  views 
and  feelinp;s  that  I  abnost  invohintarily  rea(  lu'd  up 
my  hands  to  take  hold  on  (iod.  I  took  iiold  on 
Abni«j!;iity  strength.  As  spirit  comnninieates  witii 
spirit,  I  l)elieve  W\o  (Hvine  will  was  made  known  unto 
me.  I  was  n^juired  to  go  East  in  behalf  of  Whitman 
College."  The  next  morning  he  made  known  his 
change  of  views  and  feelings  to  Dr.  Atkinson,  who 
heartily  approved. 

It  was  then  planned  that  Dr.  Kells  should  go  to 
Detroit,  Mieh.,  and  attend  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
American  Board,  because  he  had  been  its  missionary, 
and  then  proceed  to  Concord,  N.  II.,  to  the  National 
Council  of  the  Congregational  churches.  There  he 
was  to  meet  Dr.  Atkinson,  both  of  them  being  dele- 
gates to   that  bodv. 

Accordingly,  on  September  25,  he  left  his  liomo  at 
Cheney  and  went  East  for  the  first  time  in  forty-five 
vears.  He  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Hoard,  which 
began  October  '2,  and  reached  Concord  October  11. 
These  gatherings  and   other    similar  ones  during  his 


y. 

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■            iji  f.  >i 

1 

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i:  ill 

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'     ;     " 

1 

I  'if 


il  1  ■ 


WHITMAN  COLLEGE. 


203 


eastern  visit  he  highly  enjoyed,  as  he  had  been 
deprived  of  them  nearly  all  his  life.  His  journal 
often  speaks  of  them  as  of  a  high  order,  rieh  in 
intellectual  and  spiritual  privileges.  He  was  elected 
assistant  moderator  of  the  council.  His  own  idea  of 
this  honor  is  thus  expressed  :  — 

"  At  the  organization  of  the  council  I  was  almost 
stupefied  with  amazement.  To  no  purpose  I  made 
request  that  my  name  be  withdrawn ;  it  increased 
unanimity  in  the  performance  of  an  inexplicable  pur- 
pose." The  Pacific  of  San  Francisco  spoke  thus  of 
the  event:  "The  brother  who  seems  to  have  been 
most  appreciated  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  National 
Council  was  the  Rev.  Gushing  P^ells,  of  Washington 
Territory.  We  are  accustomed  to  pay,  here  in  Cali- 
fornia, some  special  deference  and  reverence  to  the 
few  ministers  among  us  who  are  able  to  be  called 
pioneers  of  thirty-four  years'  standing.  But  in  what 
we  are  thinking  of  as  the  New  North  are  pioneers  who 
have  seen  forty-five  years  of  active  service.  A  man 
who  has  worked  for  that  length  of  time  without  even 
a  visit  to  his  old  eastern  home  might  naturally  be 
excused  for  taking  advantage  of  the  Northern  Pacific 
Railway  to  look  in  upon  the  National  Council.  It 
was  fitting  that  he  should  be  one  of  the  moderators 
and  be  called  with  cheers  the  '  John  the  Baptist  of 
the  Home  Missionary  Society  !  * " 


! 


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ii! 


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ill  i " 

I 


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il 

11.    l! 


if!  ' 


204 


FATIIEU   EELLS. 


Ouc  untoward  occurrence,  however,  ^/really  sur- 
prised and  disappointed  him.  Tliis  was  a  letter  from 
Dr.  Atkinson,  stating  that  he  could  not  come  in 
October  and  perhaps  not  in  November.  In  fact  cir- 
cumstances were  such  that  he  did  not  go  at  all.  Dr. 
Atkinson  had  left  New  England  ten  years  after 
Dr.  Piclls,  had  made  several  trii)s  back,  and  so  was  far 
more  familiar  with  the  people  and  everything  neces- 
sary for  success,  and  was  nine  years  younger.  Dr. 
Eells  had  expected  that  Dr.  Atkinson  would  be  the 
leader.  This  disappointment  was  almost  greater  than 
he  could  bear.  He  wrote  :  "  To  me  it  is  inexplicable. 
My  inquiring  thought  is  :  '  Will  a  benevolent  Mind  be 
williiig  that  crushing  burdens  be  placed  upon  myself?' 
I  have  thought  that  uncomplainingly  I  could  give  my 
life  if  thereby  the  essential  prosperity  of  Whitman 
College  could  be  assured.  Maybe  this  is  my  infirmity. 
'  In  God  we  trust.' "  A  little  later  he  wrote  to  Dr. 
Atkinson:  '*  My  disappointment  in  the  failure  to  see 
you  at  Concord  was  seemingly  as  great  as  I  felt  able 
to  bear !  This  repetition  [that  Dr.  Atkinson  could 
not  go  at  all]  is  more  stunning.  It  is,  however,  so 
manifestly  by  divine  ordering  that  murmuring  must  be 
excluded.  Reverently  I  use  the  words  of  another: 
'It  is  just  like  God.'" 

His  older  son  wrote :  '' Father,  give  up  the  under- 
taking.    Do  not  try  to  perform  it  alone."     Still  he  did 


WJIITMAX  COLLE(}E. 


205 


not  give  up.  He  believed  that  he  iuul  been  eommis- 
yioiied  by  his  INInkor  to  perform  the  work,  and  he  was 
obedient  to  tiie  lieavenly  vision. 

He  often  spoke  of  this  year  of  soliciting  funds  as  by 
far  the  hardest  year  of  his  life.  To  be  a  publie  beggar 
was  very  unpleasant;  to  meet  rebuffs  from  C'liristians 
was  more  so ;  but  unkind  treatment  from  pastors  was 
most  severe  of  all.  Perhaps  nothing  will  so  well  give 
an  idea  of  his  feelings  and  trials  as  a  few  extracts 
from  his  journal  and  from  letters  to  his  sons  :  — 

"  October  9.  On  awaking  my  eyes  rested  upon 
a  card,  upon  which  was  printed  Isaiah  41  :  10  :  '  Fear 
thou  not ;  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  not  dismayed  ;  for  I 
am  thy  God :  I  will  strengthen  thee  ;  yea,  I  will  help 
thee  ;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of 
my  righteousness.'  The  words  afford  me  support  and 
comfort." 

''November  13.  I  may  be  invigorated  —  I  may 
be  nearing  the  end  of  my  earthly  work.  I  am  resigned 
to  either.  My  thought  is,  O  Lord,  *  The  zeal  of  thine 
house  hath  eaten  me  up.'  " 

"  November  18.  Though  very  unwell,  I  hope  in 
God  —  trust  the  divine  promises.  I  have  nn  humbling 
sense  of  my  unworthiuess  and  frailty.  My  under- 
standing is  that  by  the  Word  and  Spirit  I  am  encour- 
aged to  hope  —  to  believe  that  I  am  approved  in  my 
work  and  shall  succeed." 


1  ''■ 


I 


.-'.^ 


M 


206 


FATHER  EELL8. 


*' December  10.  Whether  a  delusion  or  a  rational 
faith,  I  believe  that  according  to  the  divine  purpose 
Whitman  College  will  be  a  glorious  success.  This  is 
inspired  in  part  by  a  review  of  the  past.  Its  incep- 
tion, its  embarrassments,  its  slow  progress,  its  narrow 
escapes  from  failure  are  just  like  God.  Not  long  ago 
my  eyes  rested  upon  2  Chronicles  14:  11  :  'And  Asa 
cried  unto  the  Lord  his  God,  and  said,  Lord,  it  is  noth- 
ing with  thee  to  help,  whether  with  many,  or  with  them 
that  have  no  power :  help  us,  O  Lord  our  God ;  for 
we  rest  on  thee,  and  in  thy  name  we  go  against  this 
multitude.  O  Lord,  thou  art  our  God  ;  let  not  man 
prevail  against  thee.*  It  opened  up  to  mc  with  new 
and  precious  interest.  Slowly  I  repeat  the  words.  I 
try  to  grasp  their  import ;  to  measure  their  meaning. 
To  me  in  my  present  condition  their  meaning  is  a 
perfect  fit." 

"January  12,  1884.  Regarding  my  work,  hope 
and  fear  alternate.  With  all  the  power  of  my  being  I 
address  myself  unto  prayer." 

"January  19.  Another  week  is  passed.  Seem- 
ingly I  have  accomplished  but  little.  To  human  view 
the  prospect  that  I  shall  obtain  pecuniary  aid  for 
Whitman  College  is  not  encouraging.  To  the  eye  of 
faith  there  is  hope." 

"March  1.  Work  and  solicitude  in  behalf  of 
Whitman  College  are  painfully  trying.     The   thought 


WHITMAN  COLLEGE. 


207 


is  suggested  that  this  may  be  suflfcring  for  Christ's 
sake.  If  so,  then  it  may  he  endured  in  the  spirit  of 
those  who  rejoiced  that  they  were  counted  wortiiy  to 
suffer  shame  for  liis  name.  I  had  hoped  to  have 
received  a  pecuniary  donation,  but  did  not.  Appear- 
ances are  discouraging.     My  faith  in  God  continues." 

"  March  2.  I  plead  trustfully  in  behalf  of  Whit- 
man College.  To  human  view  prospects  are  not 
])right.  A  living  faith  in  the  divine  Word  may  sur- 
mount all  difficulties." 

"  March  30.  I  have  painful  solicitude  in  regard  to 
Whitman  College.  I  pray  for  its  trustees,  instructors, 
pupils,  their  parents  and  guardians,  its  pecuniary 
supporters  and  friends,  also  the  community  surround- 
ing it,  that  in  every  essential  feature  it  may  be  a 
success  —  that  in  intellectual  and  moral  power  it  may 
be  colossal.  O  God  of  wisdom,  knowledge,  and 
might,  be  pleased  to  impart  to  the  trustees  jointly 
and  severally  sound  judgment,  a  cooperative  spirit, 
unfailing  energy,  and  enduring  efficiency.  May  the 
teachers  have  comprehensive  apprehension  of  the 
momentous  responsibility  of  their  several  positions. 
With  high  and  holy  purpose,  hearty  consecration,  pre- 
vailing prayer,  and  indomitable  energy,  may  they  joy- 
ously perform  their  daily  work.  Give  them  discretion 
in  the  arrangement  of  plan  and  executive  ability  in 
its  execution.     Incline   the  pupils    to  be   courteous, 


>  iS 


l; 


'*!> 


1208 


f\  J  JU'h'    hhl  IS. 


II 


ii 


iloiilr.  pi  onn>MMi\  ('  in  mcII'  tnn1ii>l.  jMMMinji  In  l»i«ni'<ti- 
lrn«  •'  ol  ili'jpoMilioM  >\\\\\  |(»\  t'lint'M'^  ol  rhfMtM'd'r. 
«J»ni1  H»«'  in'«pir?»1lon  o(  IuhImMc  'nnltilinn  In  cmpI 
\M  »ht  ;H<;nninrn»  o<  i  nlclli'i  (niil  rnlhiir.  Kium^  lolnr, 
mrnl'il  -mil  nioi!»l  pi»ui'i.  riml.  to  rii»\\M  mII.  \\\\  nii 
tli'inoina  pnipo'Ji'  (o  l<r  ln\!»l  In  \\\\\\\  wwA  \\\\\\ 

"  Atiou'^l  1<^  Pnvinji  u;»Kin^  innin»'n('j  in  llu-  tMily 
ninnnnu  llu'  mov.I'j  ««Mt'  in  nn  nnnti  '  ||4'  m)ih1I  Ininji 
l\n1h  Il\\  njihir.MHtn^MM  us  1h»<  liohi.  'tml  \\\\  jni|onn>nl 
;m  the  nonnMiU  I   -n-.  i'|nril    \\w\\    |m  ("AcnlMl ion  mm  lht> 

m'oiK  ot  the  Holv  Spnil.  Mv  rt4)>iM\'4t'  uiiu-  ■  I'nllill 
ll\y  ^^  ovM  ■  riirvr  wx'i  \>v\\'.\^\\\^  ('\)>(M'(;Mitn\.  il"  no| 
ftnlh.  to  1>«  lir>  r  tlinl  n\\  toil  ',\\\\\  MnlVovinii  ("or  \\hiltn!n\ 
Sounnrti\    \w\\\    < 'oll(>i)o    \>onltl    be    \  inilittHod."' 

"  Anunst  ")'>.  v>n  ;\  \r\im  ol  nw  I'vptMimco  Mntl 
woiK  sniro  So)>1«Mn1^rr  is.  ISS.'^.  I  :n\i  pri'iijmlrM  tl\;i( 
1  h'U«^  boon  obo<^i»Mi1  1  Inuo  orvod  in  in(liin\«M\t . 
snlVorotl  Koonh  on  ;>ooo\inl  of  \niKin«l  hoMtnuMil, 
Irtrijvlv  by  )%ns1ors.  boon  biitVoto.i  by  S:\t:nK  :n\(l  in  :\ 
mons\nv  1Vns1rnlO(b  In  prow<Mu^^  ol"  ll\o  imivorm^  1 
ap)VMl  to  iho  rtll  KnoAAniii  ("^no.  Vhon.  .lohov;\b  yy< 
hosts.  Vnox^o^l  thfit  m  mtOiivitv  :\n«1  n]^nsilitnoHM.  with 
sin^lonoss  ol"  )'>nr]>oso.  ]  h-n  o  «ri.b\'U  ovt^ii  to  «U>  tliv 
will.  .i*v«>r«linii  to  niv  nn*^o)'sl»n«un^-.  ot"  \]\:\\  will.      Mv 


yor\\  to  snbsorvo  tho  bost  intoiv^-^s  k^^  \\\\\\\\\'M\  Tol 


lOj'O 


1>Ms  boon   sinooro.  .-^iviont.      1    h,'i\o   not    oonforrtvl    with 


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tliMtili))))    (illlt     (lltMcliy    IMV    |lllt(MM<<Ml     llllM     ImM'II    Wlll|Ml|. 

Ill    \  iiMv    nl'   Miii'li   I'liin  icIiiiiiH    I    i>tiM('iM«>   M    riiliii    (mimI. 


I  lonh    Im  )|  i  inliltniiM  (ImiI  iiihI    ii<^l(    Toi    M    riill    vin«li< 


II- 


liiiii  nl'  iii\  r!iilliriilin>HM  I  iiiiiKr  H'I|||(<h|,  Hint,  Mii|t. 
|i|i>iim>iiIimI  liy  Iiim  inOiiili)  rMiii|iMMMlnii,  \{n  rfllririMy 
iiiiiy    )>(•   HnliMfni(itr\  •" 

"  S»'|»l«>mlMM  ir».  On  OrlnliPi  15,  IMM.'l,  |  |i)imh<<<| 
I'.mhI.  I  inn  lo  (Illy  roliii  iiiii^  \V«>h1  mi  llir  miiiim'  imimI. 
riii>  i^l«M^l<nill^  |M>rioil  Iimh  liorn  <>iii>  ol'  imiiim^mI  \vmiI<, 
MoviMP  (iIhI,  Mini  rrptMitiMl  (liMM|>|M»itiltiii<iit.  Tlirn' 
liMVO  lM>«»n  now  «>\|H>ii(MU'i»H  o(  iliviiic  iliHripliiM'. 
Sniplnio  linH  Immmi  n|M>n«Hl  in  n  iiimiiiiim'  lii'loir  iin- 
Kinnvn.  NiMv  viiMVH  of  (vnlli  liiivo  Immmi  tinnidnl.  I 
jiidf'o   <Iim(    (ho  norU    I    Inivo  il«»no   in   ini|H)i  ttinl." 

"  Oololior  T.\.  Willionl  ooiiHin^  I  |ilon«l  in  lioliiilf 
of  NVliitnuin  Cnllo^o.  I  mmK  IIiiiI  .IoIiovmIi  will  liofiioiid 
il.  To  ImniMn  viow  noniniMiy  !>i(l  iH  monlly  iummIoiI. 
I  \\\'\\\V  K^\  othn  j'.iflM  of  rioh  "!•  \iilno.  A  <'onliii]ly 
unilod  boiinl  of  IiuhIoom,  iii(olli}»oiil,  oinnoMt  woiUoih 
in  ilH  holi;\lf  nio  indiHponHMMo  ;  mImo.  m  ('o!|ih  of  loin'h- 
«MH  tMulowod  \\'\\\\  lofly  oonooplioiiH  of  (lio  ^tnmlonr  of 
tlioir  |u>sition  juul  of  (ho  poMMiliililioH  rosiillMnl.  Ihoro- 
Uo\\\.  \h\\\'w\\\  itiiproviMnoul  of  iiMMJorlnl  powoiH  <l(i- 
ni:n\«ls  ]irofoniul  nduly.  I  o  Mid  in  (ln'ir  proportioimio 
ouKuro  nIuuiUI  ho  In^hly  HJitisfying.  To  (rniti  huocohh- 
fully  tlio  yond^ful  mind,  to  inspii(»  i(  wi(li  iv  ho.'irty 
purposo    (o    yorvo    ilw    Mukor   suul   its   gonorjiiioii    i« 


II! 


M 


\\ 


m 


V 


ri 


M  :F 


i     i 
III     ' 


If! 


210 


FATIIKU    KKLLS. 


moro  than  satisfying.  The  iiieji  of  adorning,  bcaulify- 
in<^  iniiHMishable  powoivs  may  well  enkindle  holv  ontlm- 
siasni.  In  the  enlightenment  of  the  debused,  moral 
ideas  have  been  specially  nplifting.  The  Christian 
(jnality  of  schools  thns  distinguished  has  ])een  i)r<)dnc- 
tive  of  the  best  results.  The  more  thoroughly  the 
doctrines  of  revealed  religion  become  incorporated  into 
the  intellect  of  students,  the  better  everv  way.  The 
more  complete  the  Christian  culture  l)v  teachers  of 
pupils  of  Whitman  College  the  nearer  will  the  school 
exemplify  the  ideal  of  the  original  conception  thereof." 

Notwithstanding  all  trials  lie  was  reasonablv  sue- 
cessful  —  far  n'.ore  so  than  many  of  his  best  friends 
had  expected.  The  olllcers  of  the  College  Society 
aided  him  as  mucii  as  they  could.  Some  persons  were 
as  kind  as  they  could  be,  so  that  on  October  18  he 
wrote  from  Boston  :  "  Next  to  the  burden  of  rc^pon- 
sibilitv  inseparable  from  my  special  work  is  the  burden 
of  kindness  shown  me  ;  "  and  on  October  27,  when  in 
Hartford  at  the  Theological  Seminary,  from  which 
he  had  graduated,  he  wrote:  "I  am  amazed  at  the 
abounding  mercy  of  God.  The  consideration  with 
which  I  am  treated  exceeds  my  conscious  deserts.  O 
Lord,  I  am  all  uuworthiness,  but  humbly  ask  that  like 
success  may  attend  my  efforts  in  behalf  of  Whitman 
College." 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Warren,  the  daughter  of  his  old  pastor, 


astor. 


WITTTMA  y  COL L Kd K. 


211 


DoruH  Clarko,  d.d.,  with  her  lms])!in(l,  S.  D.  Whi:t 


n, 


iTJivo  a  tliouHniid  dollars  as  a  nioniorial  for  lu*r  fatluM". 
lion.  Frederick  liilling.s,  formerly  president  of  the 
North  Paeifie  Hailroad,  {j^avc;  another  thousand ;  an 
unknown  friend  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  sent  another 
thousand  ;  fifteen  hundred  were  received  from  the  estate 
of  Frederi(!k  AFaniuand,  of  New  York  ;  Deacon  Ezra 


both  of  Iiost< 


'\\ 


Karnsworth  and  W.  O.  Grover,  Doth  or  lioslon,  each 
gMve  a  thous.md  ;  old  friends  of  his,  Deacon  William 
Hyde  and  his  sister-in-law,  iMiss  Sarah  Sa<j;e,  of  Ware, 
together  gave  eiglit  hundred ;  David  Whitcomb,  of 
Worcester,  gave  five  hundred,  and  others  in  smaller 
sums  down  to  a  "  feeble  friend,"  who  gave  fifty  cents. 
Tiie  sums  amounted  to  over  twelv(^  liiousand  dollars. 

His  reception  by  Hon.  Frederick  Billings  was  among 
the  ])]easant  events.  He  had  called  one  day  and  made 
his  statements.  Mr.  Billings  took  tliem  into  consid- 
eration and  asked  him  to  call  again.  He  did  so.  Dr. 
Kells  says,  "  By  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Billings  I  was  con- 
descendingly heard  ;  "  after  which  Mr.  Billings  said  : 
''  T  shall  do  uiore  than  I  intended."  Su})se(iuently  he 
drew  his  check  for  a  thousand  dollars.  Accompanying 
it  was  the  statement:  "Allow  me  to  say  that  I  enjoyed 
very  much  your  call  yesterday,  and  was  exceedingly 
interested  in  the  glimpses  th.it  you  gave  of  your  long 
and  eventful  life." 

Dr.  Eells  did  not,  however,  obtain  as  much  as  he 


i   :■ 


['l 

•I 

;■  . 

'■i      ,   i 

r'^ 

li 

yX 


i  sr 


f.'i 


!    i. 


kIi; 


ti 


IK 


>  I  : 


iM 


212 


FATHER  FELLS. 


liad  hoped.  In  consequence  thereof,  July  2  he  vvrote  : 
*'  In  view  of  the  failure  to  obtain  what  in  my  judjr- 
ment  is  greatly  needed,  I  propose  to  make  a  new  will^, 
whereby  all  my  property,  except  what  is  given  to 
relatives,  shall  be  applied  to  Whitman  College.  I 
regard  the  pecuniary  needs  of  the  five  Congregational 
societies,'  to  each  of  which  I  have  willed  a  thousand 
dollars,  to  be  less  urgent  than  those  of  Whitman 
College  ;  therefore  I  shall,  if  permitted,  make  a  new 
wnll  corresponding  thereto."  This  will  had  been  made 
previous  to  his  going  East,  and  after  his  return  he 
changed  it  as  intended. 

Among  the  incidental  pleasures  were  the  meeting 
with  a  number  of  his  acquaintances  of  1825-38  and  th'^ 
making  of  many  new  ones,  so  that  after  his  return  to 
Washington  he  read  the  eastern  newspapers  with  new 
interest ;  the  privilege  of  conducting  the  funeral  serv- 
ices of  his  old  pastor.  Dr.  Dorus  Clarke  ;  attendance 
at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Missionary 
Association  at  Brooklyn ;  the  May  anniversaries  of 
the  Congregational  societies  at  Boston  ;  and  of  the 
Massachusetts  Indian  Association  in  the  same  citv ; 
the  meeting  with  Senator  H.  L.  Dawes  to  confer  on 
Indian  affairs  ;  attending  commencement  at  Williams 

iThe  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  MisHions,  the 
American  Home  Missionary  So(;lety,  tiie  American  Missionary  Assn. 
ciation,  tlie  College  and  Education  Society,  and  the  Congregational 
Church  Building  Society. 


1  th'^ 
u  to 
new 
erv- 
ance 
nary 
s   of 
the 
city  i 
r  on 
iauiri 

IS,  tlic 

Asso- 

itional 


WHITMAN  COLLEGE. 


213 


College  and  the  anniversary  of  Hartford  Theological 
Seminary,  his  Alma  Maters ;  of  the  Inter-Seminary 
Missionary  Alliance  at  Hartford,  and  of  the  American 
Home  Missionary  Society  at  Saratoga. 

His  meetings  too  with  his  kinsfolk  were  most 
enjoyable.  Some  of  them  he  had  previously  seen,  ])ut 
most  of  them  never.  He  found  Ihem  at  Easthamp- 
ton,  Springfield,  South  Franklin,  Holden,  and  Worces- 
ter, Mass. ;  Windham,  Conn. ;  Oxford,  Ohio,  and 
Champaign,  111.  There  was  quite  a  reunion  at  the 
residence  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Finch  at  Easthampton,  Mrs. 
Fincli  being  his  niece.  Just  before  leaving  Massa- 
chusetts he  baptized  thoir  youngest  daughter.  His 
only  living  brother  came  from  Illinois  to  meet  him. 
Together  they  wandered  over  tl\eir  native  hills  and 
playground  at  Bland  ford,  and  visited  their  mother's 
grave ;  and  at  Blandford  he  preached  the  sermon 
which  he  had  preached  there  in  October,  1837.  He 
wrote  from  that  place:  "Hallowed  associations  and 
kind  treatment  caused  rich  enjoyment.  T)\e  atmos- 
phere was  invigorating.  Such  privileges  are  like  unto 
'  a.  '^:-  on  life's  journey.  Inexpressible  emotion  was 
ex  i^Hi  in  view  of  evidence  that  special  prayer  in 
behalf  of  an  individual  offered  fifty-one  yf  ars  ago  had 
been  answered  during  three  generations.'' 

He  might  have  remained  East  longer,  for  the  secre- 
taries of  the  College  Society  gave  him  the  privilege  of 


'  ! 


!il 


t; 


214 


FATITEB   EKLLl^. 


the  field  for  another  j^ear,  but  lie  could  no  longer  endure 
the  strain.  He  wrote  after  his  return  to  Washington  : 
"  In  weariness  and  painfulness  I  toiled  till  strength 
failed.  More  than  once  I  sank  beneath  the  load.  From 
exhaustion  I  narrowl}^  escaped  serious  consequences." 
He  turned  homeward  in  September,  1884,  visiting 
relatives  and  resting  on  the  way.  November  17  he 
stepped  off  the  cars  at  his  home  at  Cheney,  from  which 
he  had  been  absent  nearlv  fourteen  mouths.  Duriuo- 
all  this  time  Dr.  Eells  paid  his  own  expenses,  not 
wishing  to  take  i>  ;'^'ii'ig  for  this  purpose  from  what 
was  given  in  the  Ea.  These  amounted  to  over  eight 
hundred  dollars. 

About  the  same  time  a  new  college  building  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  about  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  the 
old  one  being  changed  into  a  ladies'  hall  at  an  expense 
of  about  seven  thousand.  For  money  for  the  latter 
work  Mrs.  N.  ¥.  Cobleigh  went  East,  obtaining  about 
sixty-five  hundred  dollars.  The  college  building  was 
largely  paid  for  by  the  people  of  Walla  Walla.  Dr. 
Eells  gave  the  institution  another  thousand  dollars  at 
this  time. 

After  this  Dr.  Eells  attended  the  commencements 
regularly,  and  it  was  often  remarked  how  much  he 
enjoyed  the  exercises  as  he  sat  on  the  platform. 

At  the  commencement  in  1888  the  fiftieth  anniver- 
sary of  his  coming  to  the  coast  was  celebrated.     His 


Iments 
Ich  Uti 
m. 

Inivcr- 
His 


WHITMAN  COLLEGE. 


215 


old  friend,  Mrs.  Mary  R.  Walker,  of  Forest  Grove, 
made  the  journey  there,  the  first  time  she  had  been 
cast  of  the  Cascade  Mountains  for  forty  years,  since 
they  had  fled  from  the  Indian  country.  Dr.  G.  H. 
Atkinson  was  present.  Rev.  Myron  Eells  delivered  the 
commencement  address,  an  historical  paper  on  "The 
Hand  of  God  in  the  History  of  the  Pacific  Coast,"  and 
the  oldest  grandchild.  Miss  Ida  M.  Eells,  in  behalf  of 
the  ten  grandchildren,  came  forward  with  a  gift  of  ten 
dollars,  some  of  which  had  been  earned  by  cutting 
cord  wood,  to  which  Dr.  Eells  promised  to  add  two 
hundred  and  fifty  as  soon  as  other  children  not  over 
seventeen  years  old  should  i^'^^ease  the  original  sum 
to  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  Dr.  Atkinson  gave 
five  hundred  dollars.  President  Anderson  five  hundred, 
and  Dr.  Eells  a  thousand  more.  This  was  to  begin 
u  Missionary  Memorial  Scholarship  Fund,  the  income 
of  which  is  to  pay  the  tuition,  in  whole  or  in  part, 
of  needy,  worthy  students. 

In  1890  a  very  spirited  discussion  arose  in  regard  to 
llie  denominational  relations  of  the  college.  Yt^'hen  the 
institution  was  adopted  by  the  College  Society  it 
entered  into  the  agreement  with  that  society  which  it 
makes  with  all  colleges  aided  by  it.  One  article  of  this 
contract  is  that  while  the  college  must  not  be  under  the 
control  of  the  State,  neither  must  it  be  under  the  con- 
trol of  any  presbytery,  synod,  association,  conference, 


I 


i^ )' 


i  i 


It      1 


■it. 


i-r 


■ti' 


II 


'•\ 


!   It) 


i    :    I 


216 


FATHER  EELLS. 


\\\ 


(  ! 

n. 


I 


i?  V 


li  f 


I         < 

i     ,    i,  . 


'Am\a 


convention,  or  other  ecclesiastical  body,  though  an 
additional  item  was  inserted  that  a  majority  of  the 
trustees  must  always  be  evangelical  Congregationalists. 
But  when  an  appeal  was  made  to  the  CongregationMl- 
ists  of  the  State  for  support  some  of  them  were  afraid 
that  the  college  might  drift  from  its  moorings.  Ac- 
cordingly the  next  year  a  further  agreement  was  made 
with  the  society,  according  to  which  the  president  of 
the  college  and  a  majority  of  its  trustees  must  ever  be 
Qongregationalists  ;  else  all  the  money  that  the  college 
had  previously  obtained  and  should  obtain  through  the 
society  should  revert  to  it.  The  trustees  adopted,  as 
one  clause  of  their  constitution,  an  article  requesting  the 
Congregational  Association  of  Washington  to  nominate 
one  third  of  the  trustees,  that  is,  to  nominate  three 
persons  at  each  time  for  one  third  of  the  vacancies, 
one  of  whom  the  trustees  pledged  themselves  to  elect. 
This  satisfied  the  churches  so  that  they  felt  willing  to 
support  the  college.     It  satisfied  Dr.  Eells  too. 

A  few  more  college  entries  from  his  journal  may  be 
interesting :  — 

'*  May  11,  1885.  Day  and  night  I  cry  for  self  and 
favor  for  Whitman  College.  AVith  strong  desire  I  im- 
portune '  Will  the  Lonl  cast  off  forever?'  This  is  mv 
infirmity.     '  I  will  remember  thv  works  ...  of  old.'" 

"  April  15,  1880.  I  plead  for  mercy  in  behalf  of 
Whitman  College." 


M'4 


i  ■  '  I 


1  :' 

t 

t  i 

M 

idil 

■  h 


i--f: 


^  ; 

m^ 

f^ 

•  \ 

1:1 


■  l^'>      '•     ' 

^Hn  '          ^ 

^  um^Bm  ''" 

'Wmmvii 

MJ 


ih 


II   \  -i 


n 


WniTMAy   (JOLLEUE. 


217 


'*Miiy  24,  1890.  The  needs  of  Whitiniiii  College 
ciiiiHe  serious  thought.  My  conviction  has  been  that 
in  my  curly  tuul  continuous  efforts  in  its  beluilf  I 
was  obedient  to  what  I  believed  to  be  the  Divine 
Will." 

"June  11.  At  intervals  during  the  night  was  exer- 
cised in  prayer  for  Whitman  College.  I  am  persuaded 
that  my  prayers  arc  prevailing." 

"April  15,  1891.  To  myself  it  seems  that  the 
words  '  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee  *  must 
apply  with  reference  to  my  efforts  in  behalf  of  Whit- 
man College.  I  am  afraid  that  I  claim  too  much.  O 
Lord,  do  not  I  desire  to  be  submissive?" 

"  April  22.     In  agony  I  pray  for  Whitman  College." 

"  May  24.  During  much  of  the  night  I  was  exercised 
in  prayer  in  behalf  of  Whitman  College.  The  promises 
of  the  divine  Word  seem  appropriate  for  myself.  If  I 
understand  correctly,  I  may  plead  them  in  opposition 
to  all  who  oppose,  in  opposition  to  all  discouraging 
circumstances,  in  opposition  to  all  opinions  of  men." 

"October  2.  Dreamed  about  Whitman  College; 
awoke ;  was  exercised  in  wrestling  prayer  for  the  col- 
lege. It  seemed  the  agony  was  so  great  that  body 
and  spirit  would  part." 

Four  times  he  thus  speaks  about  it  in  his  dreams. 

"November  20,  1892.  Earnestly  I  pray  for  AYhit- 
man  College.     My  feelings  are  changeable," 


I  ,\ 


?i 


I   l: 


imn 


r\ 


!    I,.  . 


f 


I-' 


;  [  i 


I 


ill 


w 

1 

II 


«4: 


^m 


ji 


218 


FAT  lit:  R   KKLLS. 


Tliat  is  tlio  Inst  ontrv  nlioiit  tiio  institution,  tlionu,!) 
lu'  (»ft<n  sjiid  :   "  I    could  (lit*  for  Whitman  C<)lii'«j;t'." 

In  18".n  \W\.  A.  V.  Ksiton  was  I'lcctcd  pri'sidcnt 
and  rstahlislicd  tlio  (^usliinj;  Kclls  U'cturo  coursf. 
Dr.  lM>iis  was  ablo  to  ho  pivsont  at  one  coninuMU'cnKMit, 
.June,  1H02,  under  tho  now  prosidcnt,  and  that  was  his 
hist  visit  to  AV^aUa  Walla.  Hoforo  anothor  oonunonco- 
niont  ho  had  <:;ono  to  join  Dr.  Whitman,  Mrs.  Kolls, 
Kathors  Spaldini];  and  Walkor,  and  tho  Saviour  for 
whom  ho  had  labored  so  lonjj;. 

It  was  on  acoount  of  his  earlier  labors  for  this  col- 
leijo  that  in  188,S,  at  the  sug«jjostion  of  Dr.  A-tkinson, 
tho  deji^roo  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  upon 
him  by  Pacilic  University. 


Iltf 


\V 


CIIAITKK    IX. 


IIOMIO    MISSIONAUY    WORK. 


1872-81. 

I  AM  not  a  home  miHsioimry,"  said  Dr.  KuHh  sit 
tlio  amiusil  meetinj^  of  the  AnuMicjiii  IIoiiu^  Mis- 
sionary Society  in  June,  1884.  "  I  never  have  heen 
one  exaetlv.  You  siiall  decide  whether  it  lias  been 
my  fault."  He  then  went  on  to  speak  of  his  home 
missionary  work. 

If  being  a  home  missionary  means  being  undiM*  the 
American  Home  Missionary  Society,  or  any  similar 
one,  then  Dr.  EcUs  never  was  one.  The  nearest  lie 
ever  came  to  being  a  home  missionary  was  when  he; 
made  application  to  become  one  at  the  time  he  wished 
to  go  to  Walla  Walla  in  1860  to  lay  the  foundation  of 
Whitman  Seminary,  and  was  refused.  But  if  being 
a  home  missionary  means  working  for  weak  churches 
in  our  own  land,  so  weak  that  they  are  not  able 
to  support  their  pastor  and  must  have  help  from 
outside  sources,  then  Dr.  Eells  was  one.  He  was  a 
self-supporting  home  missionary,  a  Home  Missi  rvy 
Society  supporting  himself,  a  Church  Building  Society, 

H9 


lHIM 


r\  I  Nf'h'  111  I  s 


HI 


'mm 


•\  (ollrj'r    S«M'i«'l\.  tUhl    filfut,   loi    ti    limi',  ii    iiiiftHiiMiiii  v 

\\\',\\    AHMoriMlioM    il  M'lr    wliilo    III    SlxdKoiMi'ili 

Pi.  VvW'*  .iimr  l.t  I'lifMl  S.Miiitl  m  !.'<;. ».  mihI  IIimI 
looK«'(l  oil  lilt'  Mull  u:i|«M  lulnnujll;'.  In  llic  rmilir 
0«  oi»n  mH«m  li»'   li.ul   Immii  «mi    llu*  fniiMl    Coi    lliiilv  loiii 


Mill  rii«'«>l  Souuil  Ml  IIimI  liiiir  wiiM   linjM'lv  tin   imimi'I 


iKmI 


roiiMlix 


rii 


«»'4('     \\ 


III)  li\  1(1  ill   il-(   i«\i>itiii   llini   nil 


nou   lis  piono»M' 


riu'U'  \\:iN  iiol  ;i  i.'iilroiul,  |li«'    ikmii 


»sl  briMfi  :i  mIioiI  bninrh  of  llic  liiii<  iM'lwtTii  roilltmd 
.Mn*l  rMooimi.  »lurli  »'\lrii«l('(l  Iroiii  l\!i):iniM  iiorlli 
.'iboul  h>*M\l\  \\\c  mill's  lo  riiin|>l\n'v'M,  liiil  uiii  no 
pMssonj:*'!  Ir.'UM  owr  IIimI  »1imI;iiu'<'.  TIio  rcuiMiiKJcr 
o\'  Jlu'  ro:ul  \>:is  ;|  s|;»}'.t»  VO\\\v  lo  (Mviiiniii.  MiM. 
l\'lls    iMUU'    tllMt     >V:»\   ;     lu'V    llUsll.'Uul    i'MIIU'     iUM'OMM      lilt- 

i\'«s.';uU'    Mv>mit;nus  willi   liis   liorst<. 

v^OMlllo.  wluvh  l>o:»sts  now    ol"  si\ly  lhous;iiu|  proplr, 
tak<M\   ns   vlon:Ui»>n   vImuus   in    IS,»'J   •uul   I.-iid  out    mm    :i 
tv>>An  tho  n»\t   yo;ir.  h;ul,  in   nini'h'rn   vvviim,  by  :i  very 
slo>v   !::i\»>th.   sroiMVvl    nboul    hvclvi'   lnMulr«»i   inlinbil 
:uUs.'     'rnooni;i  with  hcv  liflv  ll»ons:nul   wms   iu»I    llu'n 


ovon  so 


Uvtoil  ;\s  tho  tiMininns  of  \\w   Noitlu'rn    rMcifu 


K^iihwui.  tins  iu>t  having  boon  iloiu'  until  llh>  nt'\t 
Vonr.  In  ISSO  it  h;iil  o\\\\  sovon  lunub'tHl  ;iiul  twi'ntv 
iuhabit^mts.      Kahuna,  havinii  invvionslv  '''ul  a   boom 

Uu  1570  ii  havl  I.IOT.  ar.a  In  1S:.^  \M2  poinilaUon. 


C*tf 


//(>/)//-;  i)ii,s.',iih\.\in    II  (Hi It 


22  \ 


lM<riii|M«<  llirir  lli«<  IIimI  |Miii|iii|i;  of  IJir  niilMMwl  Itiid 
jirrii  tliHir,  IiikI  MlllTi'K'd  rioiii  il  I  ritrl  inn,  iintj  jiiiij 
Itrrii   (IiiIiImmI    Kiiliiinit y. 

'I'lir  tMililr  lr|riiMi  ill  IIm<  MJlilr  wcmI  of  Mi«'  ('llMflldo 
MoiiiiliiiiiM,  wliit  II  ill  \W?,  liiHJ  II  |io|iiiliil)oii  of  '/^70, 
''15,  IiimI  llini  iiImiiiI  ,'0,(M)(>  ;  '  iiikI  llir  (wcjvr  roiinliiM 
iHHilriiiii'  on  rii)M>r  SniiiMJ  wliirji  in  \H[)/:  ||M<I  T/Ay'i'M't 
inliiiltiliinlfi  IiikI  llicn  iilioni  1.1,000.'  'riiiiiMl'Mi  CmiiiiIy 
IiikI  in  IH7<i  llii>  iihimI.  |M)|iiiliition  oT  iiny  lionli  rin|j;  on 
lli(«  Soiinil,  liiivin^  V!,V^hl  proplr,  \VJ\  more  tlnin  Kin^ 
Coiinly  inrlinlin^i;  Snillt«>,  mimI  h;(/)  nioi«<,  Minii  i'Hir.r, 
( 'oiiniy  inclnilini^  'riiromii. 

Mjihoii  ('oiinly,  wlino  l)r.  I'lcJIn  wrni,  willi  IIm  hcIiooI 
rliiliirrn  now  iiiiiiiIm'I  in}.i;  HlMl  in  Ivvmly  H<'vcn  (ilHliirlH, 
IIh*ii  IiikI  only  I'orly  Mcvrii  mimIi  cliildn  n.  Mixl,<;cn  oT 
wlioiii  wcir  on  Mood  ('iinnl,  iind  foiii  fwliool  diHtiiftl.H. 
lioin^  in  Mir  liiickwoodH,  IMiimoii  ('oiiiily  liiiM  lind  ;i, 
hIow  ^rowlli  roiiijinrrd  vvilli  Muit,  of  riiMiiy  of  Mic. 
n('i}i;lilioi'iii}.^  coiinMcH, 

Nor  wiiH  lli(?  n'l^ion  ^rowint!;  nipidly;  for  wliil<!  itn 
('(MintirH  from  IK70  lo  IHKO  iihoiil,  doiiMcd  l,li('ir  |)<>p- 
iihilion,  llioHc  c'ihI,  of  {\\o  ('nHciidc  MountiiiiiH  inf^n^uHcd 
llu'ii'H  more  (liun  livcfold,  from  r,,I)2H  to  .'{0,0 IT). 

Tlic  vvliold  counlry  wjih  hIIII  in  <!Xpc<^ljiri(;y.  ()M 
Kt'lllcMH    wondered    wlndJiiM'    the    (JJiinook    word    (lUai^ 


*  I7,(IM)  hi  1S70  and  IM^IlliMii  IHKO. 
'  10,  111!)  Ill  It^TO  ami  2l,r»ir*  III  18H0. 


R 


t  a 


<!■ 


if  I        ■ 


! 


'   i 


:1    li^ 


iil; 


.■■>', 


222 


FATHKli    IJKLLS. 


n\v'Mm\^  **  soon,"  on  llio  torritorinl  si'al  by  llu'  nidc  of 
(ho  railroads,  rcnlly  would  bo  riillillfd  in  tlioir  day. 

'riioto  was  only  <)no  Congrojjjalional  eluiivli  on  (ho 
Sound,  (liat  of  Soattlo,  or«j;anizod  in  1870,  havintjf  as 
l:i(c  as  .I'liir,  liS7.'^,  only  hvon(y-thi*oo  nionduMS.  Tho 
ono  at  Olynipia  was  not  orpmizod  until  1873  and  that 
of  Taoonui  until  1874,  and  thon  tho  hittor  was  orj»:inizod 
in  a  top.t  wi(h  llvo  UMMnbors.  In  Soattlo  and  'I'aconia^ 
at  both  of  which  citiod  funoral  sorvicos  wcro  hold  for 
Dr.  Fa'Us,  and  whoro  at  tho  tinjo  of  his  death  thoro 
woro  ten  Conujn-gational  churohos  with  1,1 13  inenibors, 
thoro  was  in  1872  one  church  with  not  over  twenty 
'uenibors. 

Thoro  wore  two  Congregational  ministers  iu  the 
uanio  region.  Rev.  J.  F.  Damon  at  Seattle  and  Rev. 
C.  A.  Huntington  at  Olympia.  That  was  all  of  Cou- 
grogatioualism  in  Washington  west  of  the  Cascade 
Mountains,  where  fifty-six  churches  having  2,736 
'  lembors  and  forty-eight  ministers  existed  whou  Dr. 
Eells  outored  the  church  above. 

When  Dr.  Eells  removed  to  Mason  County  his  sons 
hoped  that  he  would  rest,  thinking  that  he  needed  to 
do  so  now  that  he  was  a  dozen  years  on  the  shady 
side  of  fifty  and  had  led  so  laborious  a  life.  Uut  ho 
was  (ao  habituated  to  active  life  to  allow  himself  to 
stop ;  nor  did  it  agree  with  his  health  to  shut  himself 
up  in  his  room  and  study  day  after  day.     When  he 


;/o/>//<;  MISSION Ain'  wouk. 


223 


sons 
d  to 
[uuly 
It  lie 
if  to 
hself 
n  hi) 


wart  fifty-Hcvon  ji  friond  Haw  him  iiionnt  a  wild  rolt 
aiul  Haid  :  "  Mr.  Mclls  will  litul  it  very  hard  to  <^r()W 
old."  It  was  truo  at  thin  tiiiio.  TIk!  next  year  and 
\\\\u\  niontliH  \w.  spent  on  the  SivokoniiHh  Kescirvation, 
af2;ain  at  work  among  the;  Indians,  yet  not  confined 
to  them,  as  he  often  preached  to  the  whites  from 
ten  to  thirty  miles  distant,  at  Oakland,  Kamilchie, 
Meed  liay,  and  Olympia,  aidinji;  tiie  small,  strn<j;trlin<^ 
Con<:;rej^ational  chur(;h  at  the  latttir  i)lace  with  inonc'y 
as  well  as  by  preaching.  His  older  son  jiad  been 
ai)pointed  Indian  agent  at  Skokomish  in  1871  under 
President  (1  rant's  peac»»  policy.  A  S!d)bath-school 
and  prayer-meeting  had  been  established  the  same 
vear  and  some  sermons  read  bv  the  employes.  But 
the  first  sermon  preached  was  by  Dr.  Kells,  October  fi, 
1872.  A  council  house,  to  be  used  as  a  church,  was 
erected  in  1874  by  the  government. 

As  the  outcome  of  his  labors  at  Skokomish,  and 
tliat  of  the  other  whites  on  the  reservation,  a  church 
was  organized,  June  23,  1874,  and  Dr.  Kells  was 
chosen  pastor,  a  i)osition  he  retained  nearly  two  years. 
As  this  agency  had  been  assigned  to  the  American 
Missionary  Association,  under  President  Cirant's  pol- 
icy, he  was  now  its  missionary  ;  but  n-i  lie  supported 
himself  he  was  an  association  itseK.  One  circum- 
stance, however,  troubled  him  in  his  work  with  the 
Indians:  he  was  too  old  to  leain  a  new  language  and 


I V  r 


224 


FATJIEli  EELL8. 


'*( 


i  i: 


ho  could  not  reconcile  himself  to  talking  thronprh  an 
interpreter.  He  thought  that  this  work  should  be  in 
younger  hands. 

Previous  to  the  organization  of  the  church  he  had 
heard  of  the  remarkable  work  of  grace  among  the 
Spokane  Indians,  under  Rev.  II.  II.  Spalding,  his 
former  fellow  worker  and  the  veteran  missionary 
among  the  Nez  Perces,  and  under  Rev.  II.  T.  Cowley. 
It  was  largely  too  the  result  of  the  labors  of  himself 
and  Mr.  Walker  between  1838  and  1848.  Leaving  the 
Nvork  at  Skokomish  in  the  hands  of  his  younger  son, 
who  had  gone  there  on  a  visit  in  June,  1874,  he 
made  the  journey  over  the  Cascade  Mountains  to  the 
Spokane  country,  and  in  1875  went  there  again.  The 
story  is  narrated  in  Chapter  V. 

That  year  he  left  his  faithful  horse,  Le  Blond 
(French  for  sorrel  horse),  east  of  the  mountains, 
where  he  remained  until  1888.  The  horse  was  born 
at  Walla  Walla  in  1869.  He  is  first  mentioned  in  his 
master's  journal  March  9,  1871.  He  carried  his  mas- 
ter three  times  across  the  Cascade  IVIountains,  and 
was  his  traveling  companion  from  1874  to  1888  east 
of  the  mountains,  where  he  was  known  almost  as  far 
as  his  master  was. 

The  spring  of  1875  brought  the  seventieth  birth- 
day of  Mrs.  Eells.  On  the  evening  of  May  26  her 
friends  assembled  at  the  residence  of   her  older  sou 


HOME  MISSIONAUY   WOTiK. 


225 


to  congratuljito  lior.  Amoii}^  llieni  wcro  ])oth  lior 
RoiiH  and  tlicir  fiiniiHcH.  Sevonil  hymns  wero  sung, 
including  two  of  her  lifc'-lovod  onoH,   beginning:  — 

"  (jiod  Is  the  rofuj^c  of  lii.s  Huints," 

to  the  tunc  of  Midvcrn,  and 

"  While  tliec  I  seek,  protecting  power." 


f  I 


ama, 
born 


in 


his 


lUflS- 

,   and 


IS 


».ast 
far 


birth- 
!6  her 
^r  sou 


to  the  tune  of  Brattle  Street.  Remarks  were  made 
by  Dr.  U.  II.  Lansdalc,  congratulating  her  on  her  birth 
and  education  in  Massachusetts  ;  her  work  among  the 
Spokane  Indians,  and  the  recent  ripening  of  the  seed 
then  sown ;  on  her  social  relations,  her  husband  and 
sons  —  one  being  an  Indian  agent,  and  the  other  a 
missionary  among  the  Indians,  and  on  her  arrival 
at  the  age  of  threescore  and  ten.  In  her  reply  she 
stated  that  she  had  made  a  public  profession  of  reli- 
gion when  thirteen,  and  that  she  h:t  '  never  regretted 
becoming  a  Christian  when  so  young,  is  it  had  been 
the  means  of  saving  her  from  much  temptation  and 
trouble. 

Portions  of  some  of  her  old  letters,  already  given, 
were  read,  which  were  written  before  the  age  of 
envelopes,  and  which  had  the  old-fashioned  "  SHIP" 
stamped  on  them,  and  23  for  postage.  The  good 
old  ai»;e  of   several  of    the   members  of  the   mission 


m\ 


"  I , 


'  \ 


I 'lit ' 


i\ 


*■* 


'22{\ 


hwrnri:  h:h:i.i.s. 


t  ■ 

! 


''  I 

1% 


t>f  whi<»h  who  l)!i«]  IxHMi  ri  hhmuIxm'  wiir  nMimrkod, 
U\m  .  n  n.  SpjiMInu,  wlio  li!ul  ^lioil  IIm'  y«'.'U'  proviouH, 
liMvinji  Immmi  h«m  »m»1  v-on»'.  \\\u\  (Iu»  nix  othriM  then  iMMUjr 
l>ot>vr«M»   si\1y  (Ur   (vml   movi'mIv,  Mih.  Im'IIh   brinfr   (ho 

o1«1oh(.         I'Iu'    tloxolojry     WMH    HllMfX,    n»'!WOIl     W  .    NVlij^rllt 

lod  ii\  pi'MVor,  ihc  lMMUMli»'ti«>n  nuH  inoiiixincrtl,  find 
thus  «'loso»l  :n\  "  lnl(M»\Mlinf!,  (><M'!»Mi»m,"  as  il  whm 
onlloii  by  th«'  MiMVspM|HMs.  1 1  \\:\h  houhmvIciI  of  n\\ 
improniplii  mITmIi  .  y(>(  oiu'  which  mII  j>r«'s«'nl  rnjoyt'tl. 
MUtl  >vhi«h  tho  ohliM'  of  htM-  (l:Mi»;h1orM-in-lM\v  Mnitl  Hho 
WOiiM  not  h:\vo  h:ul  ouiilfoil  for  Mnythin^. 

Mr.  V.cWh  sjhmU  th('  wintor  wilh  his  fMinily,  luil, 
roooivoii  n  I'nll  to  ])ro;»rh  lh«^  noxl  HnmnuT  nuiinly  lo 
Iho  whitt^s  in  Ww  ('olvill«'  vm1U\v.  lltMn'o  in  April, 
1S7(>,  he  rosiontnl  his  p:\storMlo  jit  SkoKoinish  Mnd 
l:\borod  durino  (ho  s»nunnM'  ms  rcijuostiMJ,  spiMulini:; 
somo  of  (ho  intorvoninir  wooks  i\\u\  sm  o(rMsi«»n:»l  Sah- 
ItMth  willi  tho  Spoknno  Indians. 

TliMt  yoMV  ho  wMs  invitod  to  dolivor  t\  Vourih  of  .luly 
nddross  n(  Tolvillo.  As  it  was  tho  oontonnijil  your, 
1S7(>.  tho  orntion  was  oxpootod  to  ho  hirgidy  an 
historioal  skotoh  t>f  tho  valloy.  Partly  from  pnbhc 
rooords,  ]>artlv  (rom  tho  roniinisconoos  of  oarlv  sotthMs, 
and  ]>artly  from  his  own  rot'olh^  tion  it  was  proparod. 
Tliat  was  tho  tirst  Fourth  of  duly  oolohration  in  tho 
Colvillo  valloy.  C)no  man,  dohn  A.  Sinuns,  huliMn 
aiTout,   was   {nvsont,  wlu>   had   boon    prosont  wlion  he 


\vM 

f     !iU 

»V«mK 
\   h1\o 

,    U\\ 
\\\y  to 
|/\l»vil, 
\\    inul 

\  S\\h- 

>f  .Inly 

yt^svr, 

|o\y    !^'» 

L»(t\lM'S, 


\n 


tlu 


Indinn 


•\iou 


ho 


/^f>,U/<;    ,MfS'SK>\Aliy    W'iUiK. 


227 


«l(«liv«'iMMl  Hm'  IIihI.  Mimilur  nddiTHH  in   tin*  Wjillu  WmIIm 
viillrv  Hixl<M'ii  yriiiH  Itrfoir. 

On  liis  wjiy  ioCnlvillc  Im>  \vi«h  hIho  ii54kr«l  in  |>rf<|Mir(« 
!vn  InMloriciil  Hkclcli  <if  llic  Wiilhi  Wnllii  vjillry  uri<l  In 
rcud  i(  Ml  lln'ir  l''«Mirtli  of  Jnly  rrlrluMlion  ;  l»nt,  mh  hr 
o\|mm'1«mI  (o  Im»  in  \hv  Colvillr  vmIIcv,  tw«»  IiiifkIkmI  )iri<l 
llfly  niilcH  (liHtdnl,  hr  felt  nnnhlr  to  innlu'  Mir  joiniM-y. 
lIciHT  he  ))rr|»Mrn|  \]\v  luiprr  iind  HrnI  if,  to  tin'  crlr- 
lirulion,  wlirro  it  wuh  hmuI  ;  nnd  fifliTwiirdH  il,  wmh 
printed. 

Dnrinf/  Ihc  Hnintn<'r  of  IH7G  Mrn.  K«'IIh  nmdr  Imt  hiHt 

jounu'V   to  l^'on'Ht  (Irovti    und    IlillHl»oronj/li,   in   (!(»in- 

pnny  willi  Imt  yonn^rr  H«»n,  u  viHit  wliicli  hIm;  cnjoyi'd 

very  nniclii  hm  hIic  rnr(  with  niunyof  Imt  ucipiaintniMum 

of  Mm'  t'Hily  duyH  of  Oregon.      While  on  u  vinit  fit,  IIm; 

houHc  of  Hov.  J.  S.  (IriMIn,  iwnv  IlillHhorough,  .lurM;  0, 

it  w!iH  found  thftt  (iicvcn  ^rown  jxTHoriH  wen;  pr(!H<;nt, 

Mix  of  whom    woro  jnoniMTH  of  IIm'   (country,  and    ilu! 

oIImt  five  were  iht^ir  <'hiidren.     The?  united  age,  of  tlio 

Mix  pioneers  was  i\',\  yearn;   narrnily,  Rev.  K.  Walker, 

ajj;ed  70  ;  hiH  wife,  05  ;   Mrn.  H.  H    Sfjalding,  08  ;   MrH. 

('.  KeilH,  71  ;   Rev.  J.  S.  (irillln,  OH,  and   hiH  wife,  71. 

All  of  thcHo  had  be(Mi  niiHHionari(;H  on  tliiH  eouHt,  and 

:ill    hut    MrH.    Spaldini^,   H(!(!orMl    wif(5  of  Rev.    H.   11. 

Spalding,  had  (ronie  to  tht;  eoant  previous  to  1810,  aiMl 

she  had  eonu!   twenty-four  years  pn^viouH.      They  had 

not   all    met    before     for    about    twenty-three    years. 


i 


n 


m\ 


ih ' 


228 


FATlIEli   EELLS, 


Threo  of  the  gniiulchildren  of  the  third  generation 
were  :iIh()  present.  The  ohler  ladies  had  a  prayer- 
meeting  by  themselves  as  in  olden  time,  and  the  visit 
closed  with  fonr  short  prayers,  all  of  the  grown 
persons  being  professing  Christians. 

As  Mr.  Kells  traveled  over  eastern  Washington,  and 
saw  it  filling  rM[)idly  with  settlers,  on  aceonnt  of 
the  interest  awakened  by  the  Northern  Pacific  Rail- 
road, he  felt  that  something  mnst  be  done  for  them 
religionsly.  True,  Puget  Sound  was  also  growing. 
But  he  was  drawn  to  the  eastern  part  as  irresistibly 
as  iron  by  a  magnet.  AVhen  at  Skokomish  he  made 
trips  through  Mason  County,  into  Thurston  County, 
into  the  rich  Chehalis  valley,  and  through  Pierce 
County,  and  up  and  down  the  PuytiUup  valley,  one 
of  the  richest  in  western  Washington.  Here  too  were 
all  his  children  and  grandchildren,  and  his  wife,  now 
past  threescore  and  ten,  little  able  to  move  again. 
But  all  these  did  not  attract  him  as  did  the  eastern 
part  of  the  State.  There  had  been  his  first  home  in 
Washington,  his  work  among  the  Indians  from  1838  to 
1848 ;  there  his  Indians  were  still ;  this  had  been  the 
scene  of  his  work  in  memory  of  Dr.  Whitman  from 
1800  to  1872 ;  and  there  was  his  child,  Whitman 
Seminary  ;  there  were  many  of  his  friends ;  there  he 
felt  at  home.  It  was  as  difficult  to  transplant  him  in 
old  age  as  to  transplant  a  fruit  tree.     He  planned  to 


Liblv 

nadc 

inty, 

iercc 
one 
were 
now 
gain, 
stern 
ne  in 
38  to 
n  the 
from 
itnian 
re  be 
lim  in 
ed  to 


UOMK  MISSION AliY    WORK, 


229 


Icavi!  evcrytliing  west  of  tlio  inountainH,  oxeept  the 
faithful,  loyal,  noble  liclpintHit,  who  even  at  st'vcnty 
was  willin«5  to  go  if  Providence  favored  tho  under- 
takin;^,  and  to  go  norlii  of  Snake  llivcr.  Though  his 
Indians  were  cared  for  by  others ;  though  there  was 
no  call  to  return  to  tlu;  Colville  valley,  nor  any  call  to 
any  church,  he  waited  for  no  such  calls,  for  there  was 
not  a  Congregational  church  north  of  Snake  River,  or 
even  east  of  the  Cobunbia,  excej)t  at  Walla  Walla, 
where  P.  B.  Chamberlain  was  pastor.  He  i)roposed 
to  call  a  church ;  to  hunt  the  scattere<l  sheep  and 
gather  them  into  a  fold  ;  to  go  out  into  the  highways 
and  hedges  and  compel  them  to  come  in. 

True,  the  country  was  not  thickly  settled.  Spokane, 
now  with  its  thirty  thousand  inhabitants,  had  in  1874, 
when  he  first  visited  it  after  it  was  laid  out  as  a  town 
(though  he  had  visited  the  place  thirty  or  more  years 
before),  only  two  women;  and  for  many  years  after- 
wards had  in  Cheney  a  strong  rival,  and  in  1880 
could  boast  of  only  about  a  hundred  people.  The 
whole  country  north  of  Snake  River  and  east  of  the 
Columbia  in  Washington  formed  but  two  counties ; 
that  of  Whitman,  including  mainly  what  is  now  Whit- 
man, Franklin,  and  Adams;  and  that  of  Stevens, 
iucluding  what  is  now  Stevens,  Spokane,  Lincoln, 
and  Douglas,  and  also  reaching  across  the  Columbia 
and  taking  in  Okanogan.     The  entire  district,  which 


f  ■>. 


w  I  ■ 


I    'I'i 


:A 


M 


i    ; 


r..  i  i 
ii,  t 


230 


FATIIEU  EELLS. 


V 


il^MHii 


in  18i)2  hud  :i  populution  of  77,1>71,  had  in  187G  only 
2,1J54.  ThcMo  w:iH  no  rsiihoad.  Not  until  188,'J  was 
tho  hist  si)iko  on  tho  Northern  PjumOc  (h'iven.  IJut 
tlicre  was  a  cortainty  that  it  would  b«  built  through 
that  rogion ;  hence  a  few  had  <jjone  there,  anionj;  them 
quite  a  nunil)er  of  Dr.  Eells'  old  aciiuaintances  in  the 
Walla  Walla  valley. 

In  earlv  dava  he  often  spoke  of  the  rich  Palouse 
country,  and  so  he  turne'l  liis  steps  in  1877  to  its 
cunter,  Colfax.  August  1),  1874,  while  passing  from 
Colville  to  Skokomish,  he  had  preached  his  first  ser- 
mon there,  the  lirst  preadibuj  from  a  Congregational 
minister  in  that  town.  On  his  trips  between  the  same 
places  in  1875  and  1876  he  had  stopped  some  weeks 
in  Whitman  County.  There  had  been  talk  of  organ- 
izing a  church.  The  (list  person  to  speak  of  it  was 
Mrs.  M.  K.  Stephens,  who  with  her  mother,  Mrs. 
Renshaw,  were  the  only  known  Congregationalists  iu 
the  region,  they  having  been  members  of  the  church 
at  Walla  Walla.  By  1877  there  was  evidence  that  the 
time  had  come  to  organize.  Dr.  Atkinson  was  asked 
to  assist,  liefore  he  arrived  the  Presbyterians  had 
proposed  to  organize,  and  it  was  unwise  for  both 
denominations  to  do  so.  Dr.  Eells  was  in  doubt.  On 
the  Thursday  previous  he  went  out  of  the  place  to 
look  for  Dr.  Atkinson's  arrival.  As  he  sat  under  a 
pine  tree  he  spread  the  case  before  the  Lord.     During 


JIOME  MISSION  All  Y    WORK, 


231 


the  sumniors  of  ^H74--77  he  luul  tulkcil  and  worked  for 
tills  organizjition.  Now  it  scoiiukI  aw  if  it  inijjfht  not 
1)0  bcHt.  lie  felt  partly  willing  that  such  should  he 
the  ease,  for  a  great  res[)onsil)ility  would  be  taken  from 
him.  He  had  found  at  Colville  that  Rev.  II.  T.  Cowley 
was  supplying  the  region.  So  Dr.  Eells  felt  as  if  his 
work  north  of  Snake  River  might  soon  be  closed. 
When  Dr.  Atkinson  arrived  there  was  considerable 
consultation.  Friday  evening  it  was  decided  to  go 
forward,  though  Dr.  Eells  preferred  not  to  be  present, 
])ut  retired  to  his  room  and  asked  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  to  decide,  and  then  slept,  calmly,  quietly, 
restfully.  On  the  following  Sabbath,  July  8,  1877, 
ten  persons  entered  into  the  orgjinization.  There  was 
evidence  of  the  power  of  tiie  Spirit.  Dr.  Eells  was 
chosen  pastor,  and  occupied  the  position  for  four 
years. 

That  was  the  lust  Congregational  church  north  of 
Snake  River,  and  in  his  judgment  all  similar  churches 
in  that  region  are  its  outgrowth.  He  felt  that  the 
words  were  applicable  :  "  There  shall  be  an  handful  of 
corn  in  the  earth  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains ;  the 
fruit  thereof  shall  shake  like  Lebanon." 

He  remained  at  Colfax  until  November,  when  he 
ivturned  to  Skokomish  and  spent  the  winter  with  his 
wife  and  children.  He  could  not,  however,  forget  his 
church.     Besides    a  union  prayer- meeting  in  Colfax 


\  1 1 


f 


1- 


I 


'►;■! 


'H:! 


t     1 


if: 


U 


:   \ 


i  ii 


232 


FATllKli   KKLLS. 


oil  \Vo«liM's<lMy  i*v»Miiii^,  flio  (N)H}j;n'^!ilioMMl  rliiircli 
tluMi*  \\'m\  i'MlnblisluMi  w  hiiimII  mroliiiii  on  l<'ri«'MV  <'vrii- 
iiii:  for  its  own  lMMn>lit,  sinil  ofliMi  on  I^'riday  *'Vt'nin|^M 
\\\\\W  Dr.  Im»I1h  wii.s  sil  SUokoniiHli  lu»  wmh  McriiHJoinrd 
lo  \\\'\W  :i  U»tl(>r  to  Hom(»  nuMiihcr  of  tlu<  clinich  lo  ln« 
ivjid  !it  (lu)Mo  nuMMin«j;s.  'I'lu*  followinj^  cxlrjiclM  from 
U'ltors  (lutvd  DiH'onihor  \\  :uul  21,  l<S7iS,  juo  lu»ro 
givon  :  — 

"  Tliis  is  Friday  ovoninjj;.  I  :nn  HpcoisiUy  nMnindcd 
of  so;isons  of  niiv  intoiVHt  which  wk'XW  iMiiovi'd  hv 
'J'iynionth  Church  at  C'oifux,  whih'  I  w:ih  there.  Mon> 
than  four  weeks  have  passed  since  from  tlie  eminence 
on  the  soutii  I  turnetl  and  looked  upon  the  village  and 
ejaculated  heavenward  in  l)ehalf  of  its  inhabitants. 
Then  is  hut  (MIO  record,  and  that  not  accessible  by 
mortals,  of  the  incpiiring  thouj^hts  I  have  had  rej^sird- 
ing  those  in  Whitman  County  whose  kind  attentions 
have  excited  within  me  emotions  of  gratituile  und  joy. 
I  cherish  an  abiding  interest  iu  the  welfare  of  those 
for  whom  I  ha\e  labored  in  the  I^ord.  Congregations 
addressed,  personal  conversations  had  are  distinctly 
recalled,  accompanied  with  fervent  prayer  to  Him  who 
giveth  increase.  The  ever-present  One  understands 
all.  I  conceive  Plvmouth  Church  as  forming  a  sacred 
enclosure  —  the  members  being  the  enclosing  fence, 
hedge,  or  wall.  If  abounding  in  love,  walking  cir- 
cumspectly, cherishing  a  spirit  without  guile,  abiding 


//<> )/ a;  ,1/ /,v.s' in  \ Any  won i<. 


2:J3 


ill  CliriHt  iiiid  lie  in  llirin,  tli«>  wall  in  riilirr,  iiiiprc^- 
iiiiMr.  \\\\\,  if  Olio  fiiil,  (lien  tli(<n>  Ih  iiii  optMiiii^  for 
llic  cntiiiiiro  of  tlic  ciK-iiiy.  (Jod  Ih  my  nMtoni,  liow 
^rcMllv  I  ioii^r  ii,f((>i'  you  ill!  in  Mir  Im)W(Oh  of  .Jthuh 
CliiiMi.  And  iiiis  I  pniv,  that  yoiir  lovo  may  ahoiiiid 
yrt  moi'«^  and  mon^  in  Iviiowlnd^o  and  in  ail  jiid^iiMMit, 
(lint  yo  may  approve  iliiii^K  that  ani  •^xcMiIlcnt,  that  yv. 
may  bo  Hinccro  and  without  otTcumo  till  tlio  day  of 
ChriHt,  iMUiif;  filled  with  tho  fniitH  of  rif^hteouHncHH, 
which  arc  by  .Iohuh  C'hriHt,  unto  the  j^lory  und  praiH(5 
uf  (Jod." 

*'Thcr«tum  "f  Kri«lay  cvoninj^  remindrt  mv.  of  the 
prcciouH  circle  nt  <'olfax  with  whom  it  wuh  my  privi- 
Icp'  to  meet  on  iJiin  eveiiiiifr  of  the  weiik.  If  by  ridinj^ 
Hcvcml  miles  I  t-vuld  In;  with  tluMii  to-ni«];ht,  I  Hhould 
bo  inclined  to  kV^  so.  PoH.sibly  the  fact  that  tho  gniti- 
lieation  of  such  desire  i.s  impoHHibh?  should  check  tho 
iudulgenco  thereof.  TIk;  MastiM*  does  not  r«;«iuiro 
us  to  attempt  to  perform  impossihiliticis.  '  lij^hold,  io 
obey  is  better  than  sacridce,  and  to  li<'ark(!ii  than  ho 
fat  of  rams.'  According  to  my  understaudini^  it  is 
clearly  duty  for  inc  to  be  at  this  place  at  this  tiiin;, 
therefore  I  ought  cheerfully  to  accept  the  conviction 
and  submissively  yield  to  its  power.  It  is  a(;cept((l 
according  to  that  a  man  hath.  Our  separation  im- 
posoH  no  restraint  to  prayer.  The  distance  interven- 
ing lH)tv\Teu  us  does  not  diminish  auglit  of  pen,  ink, 


M 


i    • 


■mi 


t 


1, . 

I    1!^ 

. 

,                             Ml 

■ 

: 

, 

"■     ♦           : 

f '' 

I      '                                                               !* 

1  r 

■1 

1, 

if 

%  i 
if 

1}  : 


1 1. 


^^ 


234 


FATlU:ii    KELLS. 


or  paper.  If  tlio  instniinLMitaliticH  iiuiiumI  sIkiII  be 
faitlifiilly  employed,  we  may  mutually  betrome  bearers 
of  eacli  other's  burdens  and  helpers  of  each  other's 
joy." 

The  following  two  letters  of  sympathy  written  the 
same  winter  are  also  given,  for  although  they  have  no 
referenee  to  the  ehureii  at  Colfax,  yet  they  show  that 
he  was  aeting  the  pastor  wherever  he  could,  when  he 
could  not  be  with  his  church. 

^  The  first  wiis  dated  January  21,  18 78,  antl  was 
written  to  l)r  I).  S.  Ikiker  and  wife,  of  Walla  Walla, 
on  the  death  of  two  children  within  four  days  of  each 
other :  — 

"  I  take  the  liberty  to  do  myself  the  mournful 
pleasure  of  expressing  sincere  sympathy  in  your 
double  bereavement.  Possibly  the  words  which  I  have 
used  are  not  strictly  correct,  rather  that  1  fail  to 
realize  their  fullness  of  meaning.  You  arc  aware  that 
I  have  not  had  experience  like  to  that  with  which  you 
have  of  late  been  cvcrcised.  I  am  unable  to  appreci- 
ate the  reality  of  the  void  thus  made  in  your  family 
circle. 

"Possibly  in  your  lone  thoughts  has  been  this: 
uamely,  that  yourselves  were  not  aware  of  the  strength 
of  attachment  to  the  loved  objects  which  have  recently 
been  removed  from  your  sight.  I  transcribe  from  fl. 
Cook's  Lectures,  pa^e  182 :  '  Gentlemen,  there  is  more 


i-; 


noMh:  }nss/o\Ain'  M'o///r. 


2:^5 


Ui:in  Olio  Honl  hero  bcHidcH  inino  h:i(1  with  nnHpculviiMi' 
bcivsivenioiil.  Thcro  jiro  ('ycH  here  beHidcis  mino  which 
woju'v  tho  hojivcim  with  b(»H(UH'hin<;  j^hiiiooH  for  oiw 
vision  of  f:i(U's  Hiuitchcd  from  uh  in  fiery  chsiriotH  of 
p:iin.'  In  n  HcnHo,  that  wliich  huH  a  tonclcncty  to 
revive  sorrow  may  be  nnweleorno,  yet  it  is  sai<l  that 
there  is  an  unwillin<]jness  to  bt;  'livoreed  from  sorrow, 
an  unwillin<(ness  to  forget  tliose,  the  remembrancre  of 
whom  causes  pain.  There  is  a  great  trntli  contained 
in  the  words  '  C)  comfortable  sorrows!'  Tliere  are 
occasions  when  ohl  expressions  have  a  freslmess  of 
meaning,  such  as  *  Sanctified  alllictions  are  choice 
mercies.'  I  may  repeat  only  that  with  which  you  are 
familiar,  when  I  suggest,  your  dear  departed  children 
have  been  taken  from  the  evil  to  come.  Parents  and 
friends  will  not  again  experience  pain  in  witnessing 
their  sufferings  —  will  not  again  hear  their  utterance, 
'  I  am  sick.*  Their  l)attle  for  life  has  ceased.  They 
rest.  The  storms  of  the  world  will  not  disturb  their 
slumber.  Evil  communications  will  not  corrupt,  the 
strife  of  tongues  will  not  annoy  them.  By  the  bed  of 
the  dying,  by  the  grave  of  the  dear  departed  the  true 
idea  of  human  probation  is  invested  with  large  im- 
portance. A  cordial  acceptance  of  revealed  truth  is 
then  of  unspeakable  importance." 

The  other  letter,  dated  January  29,  1878,  was  to 
the  wife  of  his  brother  John,  of  Oxford,  Ohio,  who 


h 


11 P 


i\ 


^1 

i:^: 

J  Af.v 

1      '    ii    . 

■          'I 

■  J        1                1         ■ 

1 

■■;  ■ 

• 

,■ 

1  •' 

IJ,  1 ' 

;, 

If , 

ipM.  r 

i 

1 

^. 

236 


PATIIEIi  EELLS. 


had  ])een  an  invalid  for  more  than  twenty  years  from 
an  injury  of  the  spine  :  — 

"If  permitted  to  walk  into  ^'our  residence,  I  think 
I  should  enter  the  room  in  which  you  lecline,  with 
exercise  of  hallowed  emotions.  In  a  sense  clouds  and 
darkness  encompass  yourself  and  your  children.  In 
a  thick  cloud  the  Lord  descended  upon  Mount  Sinai. 
Cloud  and  fire  were  the  visible  insignia  of  the  divine 
presence.  In  your  cose  though  they  be  less  visible, 
are  they  less  real?  1  le  fiery  trials  through  which  you 
have  been  passing  Lhor  many  years  are  doubtless 
under  the  control  of  I'  ,1nite  wisdom  and  beneficence. 
The  three  Hebrew  O'hildren  in  the  furnace  heated 
sevenfold  were  not  unattended.  The  form  of  the 
fourth  was  visible.  To  you,  in  the  furnace,  the  pres- 
ence of  the  invisible  is  that  of  the  Son  of  God.  Such 
companionship  may  render  any  situation  bearable, 
comfortable,  enjoyabh  .  In  the  crucible  the  dross  is 
purged,  the  tin  is  taken  away.  '  And  I  will  bring 
the  third  part  through  the  fire,  ind  will  refine  tiiem 
as  silver  is  refined,  and  will  try  them  as  gold  is 
tried  :  they  shall  call  on  my  name,  and  I  will  hear 
them  :  I  will  say.  It  is  my  people  :  and  they  shall  say. 
The  Lord  is  mv  God.' 

**  I  conceive  of  your  experience  as  far  in  advance 
of  most  of  yoiH'  fellows.  The  blessedness  of  the 
pure  is  abundant  compensation  for  the  pain  endured 


SOME  MISSlOXAP^y  WOJiTC. 


237 


dviince 

Of    tliC 

iRlured 


in  the  process  of   separating  impurities.     Do  weari- 
ness and  pain   compel   you    to   ask :    '  Why  am  I  a 
target  pierced  with  the  devil's  darts  ?     Am  I  a  sinner 
above  others ? '     'Neither  hath  this   man  sinned,  nor 
his  parents :  but  that    the  works  of   God   should   be 
made  manifest  in  him.*    In  the  revolving  cycles  of 
the  long  future  there  will  be  a  completely  satisfactory 
solution  of  the,  to  yourself,  dark  language  of  divine 
discipline.     I   suggest   there   may  be  a  reversing   of 
relationships.     Your  solitariness  and  sorrow  may  be 
exchanged   for   the   occupancy  and    enjoyment    of   a 
choice  selection  in  the   mansions  and  society  of  our 
Father's  house.     Possibly  you  will  be  preferred  to  an 
honorable  position  :  to  the  performance  of   a  distin- 
guished part  in  the  oratorio  of  heaven  :  in  a  spiritual 
concert  of  the  combined  worlds  and  all  tlieir  inhabit- 
ants in  the  presence  of  their  Creator.     But,  leaving 
conjecture   for  certainty,   if  your  name  is  written  in 
heaven,  in  this  rejoice.     '  For  I  reckon  that  the  suf- 
ferings  of   this   present   time    are   not  worthy  to  be 
compared  with  the  glory  which  shall   be   revealed  in 
us.'     '  For  we  walk  by  faitii,  not  by  sight.' 

"  Enclosed  please  note  evidence  that  ten  dollars 
:iwait  your  application  for  the  same.  Please  accept  the 
small  gift  at:  indication  of  sympatliizing  regard.  You 
and  yours  are  commended  to  the  divine  compassion." 

On  March  5,  1878,  the  fortietii  anniversary  of  his 


'  1 


W.i 


i^l  , 


\%  < : 


If 


288 


FA  TIlEJl   KKLLS. 


If. 


|<  <: 


1  (jl 

if' 

*  i  '■ 

V     -' 


marriage  was  cole]>rated  at  tlic  residence  of  their 
older  son.  All  of  their  children  and  grandchildren 
were  present,  ten  in  nnmber,  except  one  son,  who 
was  called  away  on  ollicial  bnsiness.  The  figures 
*' 1838-1878  "  were  placed  in  an  appropriate  position 
in  the  room  and  a  copy  of  the  original  marriage  cer- 
tificate taken  from  the  Ilolden  (Mass.)  book  of  records 
was  read.  The  evening  was  occupied  chiefly  with 
remarks  and  singing.  During  the  evening  it  was  said 
.(hat  it  is  a  conmion  remark  that  ministers'  and  dea- 
cons' children  were  the  worst  children,  but  that  it  did 
not  seem  to  be  true  in  the  present  case,  as  ministers 
and  deacons  entered  very  largely  into  the  ancestry  of 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Eells.  Much  was  also  said,  about  their 
ancestry,  and  extracts  from  old  sermons  and  letters 
of  different  members  of  the  familv  duriui?  the  last 
century  were  read.  Favorite  hymns  of  the  aged 
couple  were  sung,  as :  — 


^!;!l 


''  Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led  me  on." 
"  While  thee  I  seek,  protecting  power." 
"  From  Greenland's  icy  mountains." 
"  Silently  the  shades  of  evening." 

It  had  been  a  common  remark  of  Dr.  Eells  that 
with  his  statT  he  came  to  this  country,  but  that  now 
he  had  become  two  bands  (Clen.  *V2:10).  Din'iiin 
the  evening  those  two  ban<ls  presented   Dr.  and  Mix. 


m 


aged 


Is  that 
[at  now 

k1  Mi-^. 


UOME  MISSION  An  Y   WORK. 


239 


Eells  with  a  gold  ring  and  a  set  of  Potter's  Complete 
Bible  Eneyclopjedia  in  three  volumes. 

In  the  spring  of  1878  he  went  again  to  Colfax,  but 
soon  thought  it  best  for  his  wife  to  be  associated  with 
him  there  in  his  labors.  Providence  thought  other- 
wise. June  15  he  returned  with  the  intention  of 
taking  her  with  him.  On  May  31  she  had  been 
attacked  with  pleurisy  —  her  last  sickness.  Tele- 
grams were  immediately  sent  to  Dr.  P^ells,  but  failed 
to  reach  him.  He  did  not  learn  of  her  sickness  until 
he  was  within  ten  miles  of  home.  Instead  of  removing 
to  Colfax  she  removed  to  heaven.  In  a  measure  she 
recovered  from  the  attack,  but  her  constitution  was 
not  strong  enough  to  rally.  A  cough,  too,  which  she 
had  had  since  eighteen  years  old,  now  troubled  her 
very  much.  This  sickness  continued  for  seventy  days, 
yet  during  that  time  patience  and  submission  to  God 
and  towards  others,  with  faith  and  grace,  were  marked 
traits.  The  following  quotations  from  her  funeral 
sermon  give  some  incidents  of  her  sickness  :  — 

"  AVheu  her  husband  returned  from  Colfax  he  said  : 
'  This  is  a  different  meeting  from  what  we  expected.* 
She  replied  :  '  IIow  gentle  God's  commands!*  More 
tlian  once  she  had  spoken  of  death  as  a  '  passing  over, 
passing  over.'  That  was  all  there  was  of  death  —  a 
l)tissiiigover  the  river.  When  asked  whether  she  wished 
to  live  or  die,  to  go  to  Colfax  or  not,  she  retR'atedly 


\-  '■■ 


m 


k  /  ' 


i     *■; 


1      : 

i;  '.   ' 

\ 

1  ■   =       "     ' 

f'    -■ 

f  :  1 


t 


1540 


FA  Tin:ii   I'JKLLS. 


!  ' 


tit 


li    'i>   ■'■ 


!■•, 


F 

^ 

b: 

H 

'11 

■I 

*■■« 

■M 

1 

k 

Ml 


m 


s!ii(l  :  "  r  do  !!ot  wiHli  to  docido.'  Once,  in  rcgnrd  to 
llu'  anticipatcil  ivnioval  to  Colfax,  she  Hsild  :  '  I  prayed 
lliat  (lod  would  docido  it  for  me,  and  I  tliink  he  lias 
done  so.'  '  1  would  like  to  do  Honietliiiii;  for  you,' 
was  said  to  hor  one  day.  She  replied  :  '  It  is  too  late' 
'  I  would  like  to  do  something  to  comfort  you,'  was 
said  again.  '  I  am  comforted,'  she  said  ;  '  Jesus  is 
mine,  and  1  shall  soon  go  to  him,  I  guess.'  When  a 
funeral  took  [)laee  among  the  Indians  the  dilTeronec  was 
'spoken  of  bctweeji  her  own  condition  and  that  of  the 
deceased.  '  I  hopvT  in  Christ,'  she  replied.  At  another 
time  she  repeated  the  words,  Slesus  can  make  a  dying 
l>ed  feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are,'  and  said,  '  Pray 
for  this.'  She  was  then  asked  :  '  Do  you  think  this  a 
dying  bed?  '  '  I  d'^,'  she  said  ;  but  afterwards  added  : 
'  It  is  not  dying  uoi(\  but  I  think  I  cannot  get  well.' 
'  Does  he  make  it  soft?'  was  then  asked.  'Is  it  not 
soft  be  to  resigned?'  she  replied.  At  one  time  she 
thought  she  was  going,  and  said :  *  Pray  for  me.' 
When  asked,  'What  shall  I  pray  for?'  she  replied, 
'Faith,  patience,  and  grace.' 

"True,  she  has  not  said  very  nmch  while  sick,  for 
she  has  not  been  able  to  converse  nmch  ;  but  she  has 
said  these  things,  and  I  think  that  any  one  who  has 
been  with  her  has  noticed  that  she  had  faith,  patience, 
and  grace.  Her  prayer  was  answered,  and  while  not 
saying  much  she  has  lived  these  graces  while  passing 


rtho 


cU,  for 
the  h:iH 
rho  has 
hticnc'o, 
lilc  not 
I  passing 


HOME  MISSIOSMtY    WORK. 


241 


tliroii^Ii  tlio  vjillcy  of  tlu'  hIijuIovv  of  dcHtli.  PjitiiMurc 
for  oIIkth'  coiivciiitMK'c  ninl  for  ( Jod  ;  Hul»iniHHioii  to  tlici 
will  of  otluM'H  jiiid  to  CliriHl's  will — hIu!  iuis  ])y  vol  Hpfuk- 
iiijj;,  smd  by  md  jii'tiiijj;,  luit  by  lyiii^  hUII,  Hpokrn  jiiid 
jicUmI  tlioHo  more  plainly  tlisin  wohIh  could  exprcH.s  I  hem. 

"Thirty  ycjir.s  si<^o,  in  writiiijij;  to  her  motlu-r,  kIk; 
H:iid,  ill  Hpojikiiig  of  deiitli,  'IIow  inn(;li  wc  hIiuII  lisivo 
to  prsii.sc  tho  Redeemer  for,  if  we  hIisiU  be  pisrmitted 
to  meet  at  his  ri<]jht  lumd  !  '  " 

She  died  August  l>,  tH7H,  at  the  ajj;e  of  Heveiity- 
three.  Funeral  Hervi(!es  were  held  at  Skokominh,  the 
.sermon  being  prejiehed  by  her  son,  as  there  was  no 
other  minister  within  thirty  miles.  His  text  was  Acts 
7:  GO,  "He  fell  asleep;"  for  1  r  deatli  had  been 
simi)ly  going  to  sleej)  —  the  breath  growing  shorter 
and  shorter  without  any  api)arent  pain  until  she  woke 
in  glory.  At  the  close  of  the  service  Dr.  Keils  stood 
by  the  coflln  and  wished  to  say  one  word  to  the 
audience.  It  was  "  Gratitude."  Then  turning  to  her 
he  said  :  "  We  liope  to  meet  again." 

The  word  Clratitudc  meant  gratitude  because  he  had 
enjoyed  her  society  so  long  and  because  he  hoped 
to  meet  her  again.  The  remains  were  then  taken  to 
Seattle,  where  services  were  held  in  the  Congrega- 
tional church,  the  sermon  being  preached  by  Rev. 
G.  H.  Atkinson,  i).i>.,  from  2  Corinthians  5:  1.  She 
was  buried  in  the  cemetery  near  that  place, 


'm 


I    ' 


|:f  ; 


ill: 

ii 

242 


FATHER  FELLS. 


I'Ui 


! 


tf:    ', 


r, 


U  >       !u 


'ti  I  * 


fi^  tv' 


Soon  after  the  death  of  Mrs.  Eells,  Dr.  Eells 
returned  to  Colfax,  there  to  live,  with  the  exception 
of  an  annual  visit  to  Skokomish. 

Before  her  death  plans  had  been  made  for  erecting 
a  church  building  at  Colfax.  At  first  the  proposition 
was  made  to  the  church  that  if  it  would  allow  other 
churches  to  use  the  building  half  the  time,  they  would 
cooperate  in  building  it.  In  accordance  with  that 
plan  subscriptions  were  made.  But  to  Dr.  Eells  this 
.was  injudicious.  He  believed  that  the  Congregational 
Church  would  have  to  do  the  greater  part  of  the  work, 
and  would  have  the  church  but  half  the  time.  After 
consultation  the  plan  was  abandoned.  Then  Dr.  Eells 
said  that  he  would  give  as  much  as  all  the  members 
for  the  erection  of  a  building,  not  to  exceed  a  thou- 
sand dollars.  J.  A.  Perkins  gave  five  hundred  dollars, 
the  rest  five  hundred.  It  was  a  great  effort,  and  some 
had  to  borrow  money.  When  finished  the  cost  was 
over  two  thousand.  The  money  was  all  furnished  by 
the  church,  then  inc  iased  to  thirteen  members,  and 
its  pastor,  except  about  fifty  dollars. 

It  was  a  small  band,  but  "  those  charter  members 
were  a  host.  They  were  influential  and  highly 
esteemed.  They  were  small  in  number,  but  earnest, 
active,  efficient."  Dr.  Eells  also  paid  a  hundred 
dollars  for  the  lots,  a  hundred  more  for  the  organ, 
three  hundred  and  eleven  for  its  bell,  hangings,  and 


»i'  V' 


Si :    I   < 


Imbeis 

liiglily 
lirncst, 
indred 
)i-gan, 
J,  and 


HOME  MISSION  Alt  Y   WORK. 


243 


trausportatioii,  and  for  hymn  books,  Bible,  extra  work, 
and  the  like,  enough  to  uuike,  in  all,  sixteen  hundred 
dollars.  The  building  was  thirty  by  sixty  feet,  begun 
in  1878,  but  not  finished  so  as  to  be  dedicated  until 
September  7,  1879.  Dr.  Eells  offered  the  dedicatory 
pniyer,  and  it  was  dedicated  free  of  debt. 

Dr.  P^ells  prayed  as  well  as  worked  for  this  clun-ch.  In 
his  journal  are  the  following  items  in  respect  to  this  :  — 

"August  10,  1877.     Have  spent  hours  in  prayer." 

"  November  9.  The  last  church  prayer-meeting 
which  I  shall  attend  at  present.  O  God,  be  a  wall  of 
fire  about,  and  a  glory  in  the  midst  thereof." 

"  December  31.  My  especial  work  of  the  year 
has  been  at  Colfax  and  vicinitv.  I  have  comfort  in 
the  conviction  that  I  have  been  divinely  guided.  I 
humbly  ask  that  in  the  future  I  may  be  enabled  to 
discern  the  indications  of  the  divine  will,  and  be 
faithfully  obedient." 

"  June  23,  1878.  I  am  much  exercised  in  prayer  in 
behalf  of  Plymouth  Church,  at  Colfax." 

"August  20, 1879.  A  portion  of  the  night  was  spent 
in  earnest  prayer  —  prayer  for  the  people  of  Colfax, 
prayer  for  myself  as  a  gospel  minister  and  school  su- 
perintendent, prayer  for  the  members  of  the  Plymouth 
Ciiurch,  prayer  for  the  church  building  enterprise." 

"  October  8.  Much  of  the  time  did  not  sleep.  It 
was  a  night  of  special  prayer.     I  prayed  earnestly  for 


I 


■     » 

I, 


'*■■     .  ;  .  i 

■I-  1  .   .    M 
'1     '    i   1 

['■  M 

Ht^t  j  1 

vl  ■,      i: 

t  w.  1 

!■    '■ 


244 


FATlIEIt  EELLS. 


w 

1, 

1; 

i  :i    1  . 

i  1   ' 

1: 1 

« 

myself,  riymoutli  Church  organization  and  building. 
I  have  prcHumption  of  faith  that  the  seal  of  divine 
ai)i)roval  be  set  to  ray  work  ;  tiiat  the  raenibership  of 
Plymouth  Church  be  spiritual,  effective,  and  increased, 
and  the  church  house  be  honored  by  the  presence 
of  Him  who  abode  in  the  cloudy  i)illar.  1  liopc,  I 
believe,  I  trust  in  God.  I  l)less  the  Lord  for  the  evi- 
dence that  the  interceding  Spirit  indited  my  requests." 

*'  December  26.  O  Lord,  be  pleased  to  pardon  the; 
•weakness  of  ray  physical  strength,  also  the  lack  of 
trust  in  thee.  Be  thou  a  wall  of  fire  round  about,  and 
a  glory  in  the  midst  of  Plymouth  Church." 

In  the  autumn  of  1878  Dr.  Eells  was  elected  School 
Superintendent  of  Whitman  County,  having  been 
nominated  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  L.  P.  Berry,  who 
had  been  a  teacher  in  Walla  Walla  County  when 
he  was  superintendent  there.  Whitman  County  was 
then  considerably  larger  than  Connecticut.  When  Mr. 
Berry  told  him  of  the  nomination  he  said:  'VI  (lues- 
tion  the  wisdom  of  your  course.  I  am  too  old."  Mr. 
Berry  replied:  "I  did  it  for  the  childr-^n's  sake." 
When  the  Democratic  convention  met,  William  Han)- 
ilton,  the  leading  person  in  it,  said  :  "  I  propose  that 
we  do  not  nominate  a  candidate  for  school  superin- 
tendent. We  all  know  Father  Eells."  Nor  did  they 
nominate  really ;  but  when  the  convention  had  trans- 
acted its  business   and   the  leaders  had   all   gone,  a 


JIOME  MISSIONARY  WGHK. 


245 


rcmuant  said :  "  Wc  must  have  a  full  ticket."  Tlioy 
iiouiinatcd  a  young  man  who  was  trying  to  iiold  land 
in  Idaho,  and  was  not  a  legal  voter  in  Washington. 
lie  was  not  elected. 

With  the  forty  or  fifty  school  districts  in  the  county 
and  his  other  duties  as  pastor  Dr.  Eells  soon  found  that 
he  had  not  the  requisite  strength.  Accordingly  he 
resigned  the  superintendeney,  June  1,  1879,  and  his 
successor  was  appointed.  This  gentleman  failed  to 
qualify,  and  Dr.  Eells  served  his  term  of  two  years. 

The  following  quotation  is  one  of  his  own  accounts 
of  his  work  for  this  purpose  :  — 

'*  Monday  morning  left  Colfax  ;  rode  perhaps  seven 
miles ;  was  at  a  school  in  Spring  Valley  soon  after 
nine  o'clock.  Hobbled  my  horse  and  let  him  graze 
outside,  and  spent  the  forenoon  in  school.  At  twelve 
o'clock  I  rode  on  and  ate  a  cold  lunch  in  the  saddle. 
After  a  little  more  than  an  hour's  ride,  arrived  at  a 
school  in  Thousand  Spring  Valley.  Remained  till  the 
close  of  school.  I  then  rode  on  ;  ate  my  supper  as  I 
had  done  my  lunch.  When  it  was  becoming  a  little 
dark  I  arrived  at  the  residence  of  aged  persons  who, 
I  thought,  would  entertain  me.  It  was  raining.  I 
kiiocOied  at  the  door ;  there  was  no  lesponse.  There 
was  a  rude  stable  constructed  of  rails  and  straw.  I 
went  to  that ;  there  was  no  feed  there.  I  had  taken 
recaution  to  carry  a  small 


V 


pori 


I-! 


:"i 


1  ^  , 


ill 


■■''  '   1    ■ 

1'"'  ■      I      ! 


li 


n  r. 


iJ.J- 


)■ 


I    . 


¥^' 


246 


FArilElt   Kh'LLS. 


horse.  I  now  gave  tluit  to  liim.  I  had  not  pUinned 
to  ciirnp ;  conaeciuently  niy  bedding  whh  short.  The 
flooring  of  the  stable  wjih  the  ground.  I  hiy  down ; 
slept  some  of  the  time,  and  some  of  the  time  I  did 
not.  In  the  morning  the  rain  had  ceased  falling. 
My  horse  needed  grass.  I  went  out  and  lay  down, 
making  a  pillow  of  my  arm,  and  added  somewhat  to 
my  sleep.  Had  a  cold  breakfast  of  such  food  as  I 
had  with  me.  Had  traveled  thirty-five  miles  the  day 
before.  In  due  time  I  passed  on.  At  half-past  eight 
I  was  near  the  schoolhouse  that  I  wished  to  visit.  It 
was  a  large  school  and  there  was  an  unusual  number 
of  large  scholars.  I  spent  the  entire  forenoon  in  that 
school,  my  horse  outside  hobbled  and  grazing. 

*'  At  the  close  of  school  I  rode  on  lo  the  school  at 
Col  ton,  and  was  there  seasonably  for  the  afternoon 
session,  and  remained  there  until  near  the  close  of  the 
afternoon.  As  I  had  failed  the  night  before  to  find 
entertainment,  I  now  planned  to  be  in  season.  I  had 
several  miles  to  ride.  I  rode  down  the  vallev  called 
Union  Flat.  While  passing  I  took  out  dry  bread, 
dismounted,  dipped  it  in  the  water,  and  then  got 
in  the  saddle.  It  speedily  softened.  Seasonably  I 
arrived  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  H.  B.  Heald.  I  said 
to  her :  '  Will  you  allow  me  to  leave  to-morrow  morning 
before  breakfast  ?  '  —  for  I  had  some  ten  miles  to  ride 
to  go  to  the  next  school.     '  I  think  we  can  give  you 


got 

)lv  I 
said 
Irning 
•ide 


:ou 


nOMK  MISS  ION  All  Y    WO  UK. 


247 


an  early  l)ri'!akfaHt,'  was  llio  reply.  She  arose  at  five 
o'(!l()C'k  the  next  inorning  and  <jrave  nie  mv  breakfast 
so  early  that  I  was  at  the  selioolhousc  as  soon  as  the 
teacher  arrived.  I  spent  the  f(jreuoon  in  that  sehocl 
and  then  returned  to  Colfax.  I  had  Ihhmi  out  two  and 
a  half  days,  visited  five  schools,  and  traveled  a  hun- 
dred and  twenty  miles  or  more." 

Dr.  Eells'  first  plan  was  to  organize  the  church  at 
Colfax  and  then  secure  some  suitable  person  as  its 
pastor,  and  leave  it,  as  he  felt  that  he  ought  not  to 
be  permanently  away  from  his  wife  so  nnich.  As  no 
one  could  be  found,  he  stayed  and  planned  to  take  his 
wife  with  him.  Her  death  prevented  this,  and  so  he 
remained  as  its  pastor  for  four  years,  hoping  some 
one  would  be  found  to  take  his  place.  Finding  after 
he  had  passed  his  seventy-first  birthday  that  his  labors 
were  too  much  for  him,  lie  resigned  un({uali!iedly,  July 
1,  1881,  and  shortly  after  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
his  place  filled  by  Rev.  J.  T.  Marsh.  He  left  the 
church  with  a  membership  of  twenty-eight,  the  largest 
church  at  that  time  in  eastern  Washington. 

Six  years  later,  having  visited  Colfax,  he  wrote  : 
"My  work  has  not  been  in  vain.  The  importance 
of  it  is  more  distinctly  apparent  than  at  the  period 
during  which  it  was  wrought.  A  Scripture  appro- 
priate for  ever-present  use  is :  '  Forasmuch  as  ye  know 
that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.'  " 


1 


!.     I 


i    :!   I 


•    \ 


|i   ' 


'  ■  i  j 

::v|i 

;!,    h     'I 

uHB''! 

^^■'1 

! 

|B| 

W  m   ■    1 

illy 

i 

CHAPTER   X. 


hi' 


l\ 


nOMK    MISSIONARY    WORK,    CONTINUED. 


1875-88. 


Pi 


M 


11   i     x 


■J: 


I   'J 

I  '   t! 


m  I 


WHILE  Dr.  Eells  was  pastor  at  Colfax  he  did 
not  proaeh  there  every  Sab])ath.  Much  of 
the  time  he  i)reached  ])iit  once  a  month,  alternating; 
with  preachers  of  other  denominations.  When  the 
town  was  small  the  church  services  and  Sabbath- 
school  were  conducted  on  a  union  basis.  Other 
Sabbaths  were  spent  at  Lone  Pine,  Almota,  Steptoe 
Butte,  Marshall,  Stephens,  Colville,  and  other  places. 
Especial  work  was  performed  also  at  Dayton, 
Ciiewelah,  Cheney,  Spokane  Falls,  and  Medical  Lake, 
and  he  counseled  largely  in  the  organization  of  most 
of  the  earlier  cliurches  of  eastern  Washington. 

After  his  resignation,  although  past  threescore  and 
ten,  he  could  not  leave  eastern  Washington  and  rest, 
much  as  his  sons  wished  him  to  do  so.  In  September, 
1881,  he  removed  to  Medical  Lake,  which  he  believed 
would  be  beneficial  to  his  health,  and  engaged  in  gen- 
eral missionary  work,  as  his  strength  permitted.  But 
with  the  snows  of  that  region  he  found  himself  too 

248 


V   ^ 


h  rest, 
jmber, 
pUeved 
|n  gen- 
But 
jlf  too 


J^O^fK  MISSIONARY   wo  UK. 


240 


far  from  the  railroad.  Ilenoo  in  April,  1882,  lie 
iiiovcmI  to  Clioney,  whore  lu;  built  himself  a  small 
house.  For  uearlv  a  year  and  a  half  his  time  was 
spent  in  a  round  of  labors  in  nine  ditTerent  plaees  in 
three  counties  —  Lone  Pine  in  Whitman  County; 
Cheney,  Sprajjjue,  Span<j;le,  Medical  Lake,  and  near 
Cottonwood  Springs  in  Spokane  County ;  Chewelah, 
Fort  Colville,  and  Colville  town  in  Stevens  C'ounty. 
Then  followed  a  year  in  the  east  for  Whitman  College, 
after  which  he  still  made  his  home  at  Cheney,  nomi- 
nally, though  really  it  was  everywhere  throughout  tlie 
region.  In  July,  188r),  he  wrote:  "I  have  been 
away  from  home  sixteen  nights  —  at  home  twelve. 
I  am  weary  in  my  work,  but  not  tired  of  it."  Again, 
in  October,  he  says  :  "  After  an  absence  of  fifteen 
days  on  a  preaching  tour  I  returned.  I  have  con- 
ducted preaching  services  at  each  of  nine  different 
places."  Again  :  "  lie  that  goeth  forth  and  wee[)eth, 
bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again 
bringing  his  sheaves  with  him."  September  11,  188;'), 
he  wrote  after  a  trip  to  Colfax :  *'  A  boy,  judged  to 
be  about  ten  years  old,  rode  twenty-five  miles  to  get  a 
pair  of  shoes  for  his  sister  to  wear  to  service." 

But  the  severe  work  and  his  increased  age,  with 
his  mode  of  life,  began  to  tell  more  and  more  on  his 
health,  and  he  and  others  realized  that  he  must  both 
give  up  some  of   his  labors  and  also  so  change  his 


'■■! 

w 

w\\ 

i 

., 

m 

Ill 


250 


PATlIEIi   KKLLS. 


ij 


ft 


mode  of  life  that  he  could  ';ave  better  food  than  that 
with  whicli  he  had  been  providing  himself.  Ilenee,  in 
October,  188G,  he  moved  to  Medical  Lake,  where  he 
was  much  better  taken  care  of  bv  friends.  Here  he 
remained  about  a  year  and  a  half,  not  making  such 
severe  trips  (especially  in  the  wint<'r)  as  he  had  been 
doing,  though  he  ever  kept  busy  about  his  Mastei's 
work,  except  when  unable  to  go  on  account  of  ill- 
health  or  snow.  His  })reaching  places  were  mainly 
Medical  Lake,  Pleasant  Prairie,  Half  Moon,  Meadow 
Lake,  and  C'heney,  with  occasional  trips  to  Chewelah 
and  Colville. 

His  work  for  the  different  churches,  though  largely 
parallel  in  time,  is  here  separated  into  different  chun  h 
sketches :  — 

Dayton.  In  1875  he  visited  this  place,  and  talked 
about  an  organization.  In  1H77  he  again  visited  the 
place,  canvassed  it,  and  obtained  the  names  of  tliosc 
who  were  v  illing  to  unite  in  one.  These  facts  wen 
communicated  to  Dr.  Atkinson,  who  went  to  the  place 
later,  and  'luly,  1877,  a  church  was  organized  there. 
In  1883  Dr.  Eells  gave  the  church  a  bell  and  jjarson- 
age,  and  otherwise  aided  in  securing  the  church  buihl- 
ing,  to  the  amount  in  all  of  over  a  thousand  dollars. 

Chcivclah  (Old  ColrilU'.  Chewelah  is  a  corruption  of 
the  Indian  name  Chawelah,  and  Dr.  lu'lls  nevir  coulil 
reconcih'  himself  to  the  modern  proinmeir.tion.     It  is 


r 


that 

J  he 
c  he 
such 
hi'cu 
:4  lei's 
f    ill- 
itiinly 

!\vehih 

chiuH  li 
tJilUed 


.e« 


I  till' 


If  those 
Its  wer«: 


lee 


1)1 
|l  then 


I 


)iii'rt(>n- 


h  buihl- 


)U{irs. 


h)t'u 


)U  <) 


f 


•r  col 


iia 


It  is 


lv\llll  U    r.H  lo'    (III  K(  MKS. 

1.  C'Hinreyatiniial  C'liiin  h  .it  Mc-ili.  *l  l..tke. 

■i.  ( 'oii.;rcn;(tion.tl  CMhik  u  .11  -pi.tv;  -f- . 

},.  ("imcrt'U.Uii'n^ii  I  liiin  li  .It  Mr    ..  .tl  l.ak<-. 

4.  t  iinmfi;.ttii!i,il  Ctmri  h  .11  (  .ill.t\ 


:;:• 


t 


i^t 


' ,( I, 


:? 


If  • 

HOME  MISSIOXAJiY   WOJiK. 


261 


h 


the  name  of  a  small  striped  snake,  and  was  applied  to 
that  plaee  either  because  the  snake  abounded  there  or 
because  of  the  serpentine  appearance  of  the  stream. 
Colville  was  named  after  a  gentleman  of  the  Hudson's 
Bay  Company,  who,  however,  spelled  his  name  Col- 
vile.  At  Chewelah  was  Dr.  Eells'  first  and  last  work 
for  Washington. 

September  10,  1838,  twelve  days  after  arriving  at 
Dr.  Wl  tan's,  he  and  Mr.  Walker  started  on  an 
exploring  tour  to  locate  a  station  for  themselves. 
On  the  15th  they  reached  Chewelah,  and  spent  the 
next  day,  the  Sabbath,  there.  Services  were  held 
among  the  Indians.  After  the  services  the  chief 
addressed   his   people  very  earnestly  and  elo(piently. 

Between  March,  1839,  and  June,  1848,  Mr.  Eells 
performed  some  work  in  the  valley  ai)propriate  to  the 
Christian  ministrv.  In  the  summer  of  1874  he  visited 
the  region  and  on  August  10  preached  twice  to  the 
Indians  and  twice  to  the  whites  there.  Scmie  of  the 
whites  came  ten  miles  to  these  services,  and  some  of 
the  Indians  thirty-five  or  forty.  Some  who  listened 
then  had  not  heard  a  Protestant  sermon  for  twenty 
years.  The  next  year  Mr.  Eells  visited  them  again, 
:ind  in  187()  he  spent  the  most  agreeable  part  of  the 
summer  in  the  Colville  valley  at  tin;  refpiest  of  the 
whites,  alternating  between  ColvilK',  the  garrison,  and 
Chewelah,    the   latter    beiu^   twenty-five    miles   south 


^''1; 


r 


■;  ii  '■■' 


Wit 


UIV 


252 


FA  TIIEli  EELLS. 


t 


h  ?) 


of  the  former.  In  these  phices  he  conducted  forty 
services  in  English  (hiring  that  season.  After  tliiit, 
witii  consideriU)le  regularity,  until  1M85  he  made  semi- 
annual visits  to  the  region  except  during  the  fourteen 
months  that  he  was  in  the  East. 

September  14,  1871),  four  persons,  some  of  whom 
ha  J  l>eeii  residents  of  Chewelah  for  twenty-five  years, 
but  had  had  no  eluu-ch  home,  united  together  in  a 
Congregational  chiurh.  Dr.  Eells  performed  all  the 
services.  He  was  their  pastor  nine  years,  as  long  as 
he  renuiined  east  of  the  Cascade  Mountains,  although 
he  could  be  with  them  only  occasionally,  at  least  until 
1885. 

During  the  summer  of  1885  he  made  monthly  trips 
there,  holding  nineteen  services  during  the  season. 
In  a  paper  dated  October  21,  1885,  which  he  left,  is 
an  offer  to  tlie  people  of  Colville  and  vicinity  that  if 
they  would  raise  a  thousand  dollars  for  a  Congrega- 
tional church  edifice,  he  would  give  the  same  amount. 
"NViiether  this  paper  was  ever  sent  to  them  or  whether 
they  failed  to  secure  the  amount  the  writer  docs  not 
kn()>v.  In  181)2  a  church  was  erected  at  Chewelah, 
and  Dr.  Eells  was  recpiested  to  assist  in  the  dedi- 
catory exercises,  the  people  feeling  that  none  but  he 
could  grace  such  a  litippy  consummation.  Though 
hardly  strong  enough  to  make  the  journey,  yet  he 
went.     He  wus  there  fifty-four  years  from  the  day  ou 


rrcga- 
iiount- 
hoUioi' 
c8  not 
welivli, 
«  (ledi- 
but  lie 
rUougU 
vet  lie 


HOME  Mli^SlONAliY    WO  UK. 


253 


which  he  first  ctimpt'd  at  tlio  phicc.  On  the  next 
Sabbath,  Septenilicr  18,  tlio  cliurch  was  dedicated. 
Dr.  Eells  ofPerin*^  tiie  prayer. 

Of  this  journey  he  aaid  :  "It  may  be  a  weakneHS 
for  me,  an  ohl  man,  to  \F,'t  ho  fur,  four  huiub'ed  and 
fifty  miles  and  l)ack  to  accept  the  invitation,  but  if 
anybody  else  had  camped  on  that  spot  and  held  serv- 
ices there  fifty-four  years  previous,  perhaps  he  would 
have  the  same  weakness." 

November  24  he  wrote  :  "  Durinj;  the  nijjjht  (hvamed 
I  was  laborin*^  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  Chewelah." 

His  last  important  act  for  any  church  was  the  pro- 
curing of  a  bell  from  New  York  for  this  church.  It 
was  paid  for  a  few  days  l)efore  his  death,  and  he  then 
told  his  pastor  that  his  work  was  done.  Said  Rev. 
L.  II.  Ilallock  at  his  funeral :  "  Its  first  tones  in  eustern 
Washington  will  ring  out  a  tender  reiiuiem  —  nay, 
rather  a  glorious  tone  of  rejoicing  f(-r  the  work  he  has 
accomplished,  and  the  crown  of  life  he  has  gone  to 
wear  on  high." 

Mr.  George  F.  C'.  McCrea,  of  that  church,  says  : 
'^  lie  made  no  gift  towards  the  l)uilding,  as  he  had 
never  been  rcujuested  to  do  so.  I  feel  satisfied  that 
if  he  had  been  he  would  uladly  have  aided  us,  for 
he  was  ahvjiys  ready  to  donate  in  such  ways.  I  am 
glad  I  si)oke  to  him  idiout  the  belU  and  thai  he  so 
cheerfully  acquiesced  in  my  desire.     I  thank  God  foi' 


;  I 


f,  I 


!'!! 


,i 


254 


FATJII'JJt   h'l'JLs.S\ 


till'  work  which  he  did  here,  of  wliicli  our  church  \h  ji 


Hi 


-ri- 


iiioiiuineiit. 


(!h 


CIK'I/. 


I'ri'viouH  to  IH.SI    Dcju'on  CJ.  U.  Andrus, 


whose  lioine  was  iicjir  (Mumu'V,  li:id  Iicld  :i  Sabhjitii- 
school  near  that  phice  which  was  afterwards  moved  to 
the  town.  Tiie  (jucstion  tiieii  was,  "  Can  a  church  be 
or<;auize(l?"  It  was*  <h)ne  February  20,  1H81,  by  Dr. 
Kclis  ill  a  hotel  over  a  barroom,  with  nine  nieinberH, 
three  males  and  six  females,  and  was  the  first  churcli 
of  any  denomination  in  the  [)lace.  He  was  its  pastor 
until  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Clarke  the  next  winter. 

The  next  question  was  to  erect  a  building.  Dr. 
Eells  prepared  a  subscri[)tion  paper  and  headed  it  with 
live  hundred  dollars.  Others  subscribed.  It  was  a 
struiryrle,  vt't  it  was  carried  forward.     A  contract  was 


"fn 


made  for  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  'I'he  first  five  hun- 
(b'ed  were  easily  paid  ;  the  Church  IJuildiiig  Society 
iiad  promised  to  furnisii  the  last  five  humlred ;  the 
sei'ond  payment  was  the  iiard  work.  The  day  on 
which  that  payment  was  to  be  made  was  one  of 
anxiety.  Deacon  Andrus  went  about  the  place  tryinjjj 
to  obtain  assistance.  Abtujt  noon  he  and  Dr.  Eells 
met  to  see  the  result  of  their  united  effort.  There 
was  no  lack.  It  seemed  wonderful.  That  afternoon 
he  left  for  LojU!  I'iiie  and  «'amped  by  a  tree  at  night. 
As  he  sat  by  the  trei"  and  thought  of  the  day's  work 
and  the    progress  that    had   been    made    in   regard  to 


m 


HOME  MISSIONARY    WORK. 


255 


the  churcli  edilice,  his  heart  overllowed  with  gnititiule. 
To  him  the  iMovidenees  had  been  marked,  tlie  indica- 
tions of  tlie  divine  favor  were  clear. 

Siill  the  fifteen  humh'ed  doUars  neither  seated,  fur- 
nished, nor  papered  the  building.  Tliis  with  the  h>ts 
recpiired  live  huiuh'ed  more,  and  of  tliis  Dr.  Kells 
gave  more  than  two  hundred.  The  buihling,  however, 
was  paid  for  at  tiic  time  of  its  dedication,  Deceml)er 
18,  1881.  At  that  time  Dr.  Eeils  preached  the  ser- 
mon and  the  same  evening  gave  the  following  charge 
and  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  its  pastor,  F.  T. 
Clarke,  at  his  ordination  :  — 


It 


'     ;) 


.  4 


I   ■ 


•iety 
the 


lV   on 


o 


f 


fU.\ 


<r 


There 

M'UOOli 


ni}4 


ht. 


woi' 


k 


ird  to 


CIIAlKiK    AT    TlIK    OUDINATION    OK    KKV.     F.    T.    CLARKE. 

"This  is  a  true  saying,  If  a  man  det^ire  the  ollice  of 
a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work. 

"Give  attendance  to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to 
doctrine.  Meditate  upon  tliese  things ;  give  thyself 
wholly  to  them,  that  they  profiting  may  appear  unto 
all. 

"Thou,  0  man  of  God,  flee  worldly  entanglements, 
and  follow  afi:r  rigliteousness,  godliness,  faith,  love, 
patifMicc,  meekness. 

''  V'ight  the  good  fight  of  faith;  lay  hold  on  eternal 
lite,  whereunto  thou  art  also  called,  and  hast  professed 
a  good  profession. 

"1  give  thee  charge  iu  the  sight  of  God  that  thou 


r 


256 


FATUEli  EELLS. 


M  . 


lij; 


W 


I 


search  (Uligently  the  oracles  of  truth.  Deep,  hiird 
.study  will  be  indispensiible.  Strive  to  obtain  holy 
illuMiinution  ;  thus  sliult  thou  brin<;  from  tlie  divine 
treasury  things  new  and  old.  Feed  tiie  pecipie  witli 
knowledge  and  understanding.  Mold  fast  the  form  of 
sound  words.  Let  thy  study  be  thy  great  laboratory. 
Get  grand  thoughts  of  thy  work  and  of  thy  teaching. 
Formulate  cogent  sentences.  First  preach  to  thyself 
and  then  to  others.  One,  after  a  long  and  useful 
'life,  as  he  lay  down  to  die,  said  to  those  anticipating 
like  work :  '  I  have  never  prepared  a  sermon  that  did 
not  cost  mc  tears.'  Arguments  bathed  in  holy  emo- 
tion are  eflFective. 

"Allow  me  to  add,  IMcasc  test  the  ellicacy  of 
prayer.  I  here  express  the  belief  that  the  results  of 
your  ministerial  work  will  be  graduated  largely  accord- 
ing to  the  use  you  make  of  this  instrumentality.  One, 
wiio  under  God  had  turned  manv  unto  righteousness, 
after  death  was  observed  to  have  callous  knees. 
Those  knees  were  a  revelation  regarding  the  secret 
of  his  power  hitiierto  unexplained.  Let  spiritual 
unction,  thus  obtained,  be  thy  ))adge  known  and 
read  of  all. 

"•  I  charge  thee  before  (Jod  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
(lirist,  preach  the  Word  ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of 
season ;  reprove,  rebuke,  with  all  longsulTering  ami 
doctrine. 


HOME  MISaiOXAltY    WOliK. 


257 


**In  met'kiiess  instruct  those  who  oppose  themselves, 
if  (jiod,  peradventiire,  will  «;ive  them  repeutuiice  to 
the  aekuowledirment  of  the  truth." 


|\    ,1C8US 

out  of 
ing  aud 


KKJIIT    HAND    OK    KKLLOWSHIP. 

"  Friendship  is  sweet.  Christian  communion  is  pre- 
cious. Full  enjoyment  of  the  fellowship  of  the  saints 
is  heavenly.  Assurance  of  the  fellowship  of  the 
churches  is  a  rich  boon. 

*'  In  behalf  of  the  churches  invited  to  be  represented 
in  the  ecclesiastical  council  here  convened,  1  extend 
this  right  liand  to  yourself,  Brother  Clarke.  We  are 
true  yokefellows  with  you  in  the  kingdom  and  patience 
of  Jesus  Christ.  The  belief  is  that  severally  and  col- 
Icctively  we  are  heirs  of  God  and  joint  heirs  with 
Christ  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible  and  undelilj'd, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away.  That  in  realization  will  be 
the  fruition  of  the  highrst  type  of  fellowship." 

Dr.  Fells  also  gave  a  lu'U  to  tins  church,  so  that  in 
all  his  gifts  to  it  were  over  eleven  hinidred  dollars. 
Subsequently  he  moved  to  the  place,  Mr.  Clarke  having 
resigned  in  the  spring  of  1H82,  and  was  aga'r  v-hosen 
its  pastor,  althougli  much  (»f  the  work  fell  on  Rev. 
F.  V.  Iloyt,  a  licensed  minister,  who  lived  there.  He 
remained  as  its  pastor  for  two  years. 

In  1884  the  bell  cracked.  lie  ordered  it  sent  back 
to  West   Troy,  N.   Y.,   i)aying    fifty   dollars    for    the 


258 


FATIIElt  EKLLS, 


M 


( \'i 


exchange  and  tlic  freight  from  St.  Paul  to  West  Troy 
uiul  back.  Through  Dr.  Kells'  acquaintance  with  the 
preHident  of  tlie  North  Pacific  Railroad  Company  it 
was  transported  free  the  rest  of  tlie  way. 

He  continued  to  supply  this  church  more  or  less, 
e8j)ecially  when  it  had  no  pastor,  as  long  as  he  remained 
in  eastern  Washington,  and  advised  in  regard  to  it 
and  prayed  for  it  as  long  as  he  lived. 

After  he  left  eastern  Washington  his  journal  says : 
.  "  August  27,  1888.  I  pray  much  for  the  divine 
approval  of  my  work  at  Cheney  and  Medical  Lake." 

"  February  25,  1891.  Have  been  to  Tacoma  to  pay 
interest  money  on  a  note  against  the  Congregational 
church  at  Cheney." 

"  March  4.  I  have  written  to  J.  E.  Thomas  at 
Cheney.  I  am  trying  to  encourage  the  friends  of  the 
Congregational  church  there  to  pay  their  indebtedness 
and  be  hopeful.  I  expect  there  is  a  bright  future  for 
them." 

The  indebtedness  here  spoken  of  was  on  account  of 
the  parsonage,  which  was  likely  to  be  sold,  and  Dr. 
Eell3  worked  earnestly  against  this  being  done,  two  or 
three  years  after  he  had  left  the  region  and  moved  to 
Tacoma. 

Spokane.  Dr.  Eells  first  visited  this  place  in  1874, 
when  but  two  white  women  were  in  it.  He  afterwards 
preached   there  at  times.     A  church  was   organized 


iioyfF:  ^nssro.\Aln'  work. 


25!) 


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ivinc 

ike." 

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las  at 

f  the 
;dnc88 

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unt  of 
u\  Dr. 
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1  1874, 
n-wnrds 
rauizcd 


May  22,  1870,  atid  their  next  pjrent  Htep  was  to  erect 
a  bjiilding.  They  were  then  worshiping  in  a  seliool- 
hoiiHo  twenty-six  by  forty  feet,  and  thonj^ht  that  a 
church  of  the  Hanie  Hize  wouUl  be  hirge  c  ough.  Dr. 
EcHh  advised  them  to  make  it  ten  feet  longer,  and 
promised  them  two  hundred  dollars.  It  was  built  the 
same  size  as  the  one  at  Cheney,  thirty  by  fifty,  at  a 
cost  of  two  thousand  dolhirs.  Afterwards  he  gave 
this  church  a  lull,  then  some  books,  and  more  money, 
amounting  to  five  hundred  doMars  in  jUI.  At  its  dedi- 
cation, December  20,  1881,  the  day  after  the  one  at 
Cheney  was  dedicated,  he  offered  the  dedicatory 
prayer,  Dr.  Atkinson  preaching  the  sermon.  He 
counseled  it  through  troublous  times  in  1882-83,  and 
for  a  short  time  in  1883  was  its  pastor. 

The  two  bells  for  Cheney  and  Spokane  arrived  at 
the  depot  at  Cheney  at  the  same  time.  Outsiders  at 
that  place  played  a  trick.  They  held  up  the  two  bells 
and  tested  them  by  striking  each  one.  They  made 
their  choice,  but  it  proved  to  be  the  poorer  bell  of  the 
two,  the  poorest  that  Dr.  Eells  ever  bought.  All  the 
rest  have  done  good  service,  but  that  one  had  to  be 
returned. 

The  people  of  Spokane  have  since  built  the  first 
granite  church  in  the  State,  though  not  the  first  stone 
one,  at  a  cost  of  forty  thousand  dollars.  The  bell 
which  the  (»»  vijle  of  Clieney  rejected  has  gone  on  to 


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260 


FATHER   EELLS. 


li'      ."..: 


that  church.     Among  the  memorial  windows  of  the 
church  is  one  with  the  following  inscription  :  — 

CUSIIING   EELLS. 
Always  abounding  in  j;oo(l  works. 

Sprague.  In  1839,  when  Messrs,  Walker  and  Eells 
were  moving  from  Walla  Walla  to  Tshimakain,  March 
14,  they  camped  near  this  place.  Here  Mr.  Walker 
was  kicked  by  a  horse,  wliich  so  injured  him  that  they 
could  not  move  camp  that  day.  It  was  a  suitable  time 
for  making  spiritual  preparation  for  their  work.  Mr. 
Eells  walked  to  a  point  overlooking  the  present  town 
site  and  spent  a  season  in  meditation  and  prayer. 

After  that  during  the  next  nine  years  this  was  a 
convenient  camping  place.  At  different  times  Mr. 
P^ells  spent  two  Sabbaths  there,  one  in  1842,  when  the 
mission  families  were  on  their  way  to  the  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  mission  at  Dr.  Whitman's.  Many  prayers 
were  offered  there  at  these  times. 

When  Dr.  Eells  learned  that  a  town  was  to  be 
located  at  this  place  on  the  railroad,  thrilling  emotions 
filled  his  mind.  The  past  came  to  him.  Hence  he 
thought  that  he  had  a  duty  to  do  for  that  place. 
There  on  the  fourteenth  of  April,  1881,  he  conducted 
the  first  Protestant  services  ever  held  in  the  place. 
The  chapel  was  the  dining-room  of  the  hotel.  For 
more  than  a  year  he  preached  there  at  different  times 


in  I 


the 


Eells 
Vlarch 
^Talker 
t  they 
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.     Mr. 
t  town 

r. 
was  a 
es  Mr. 
lien  the 
A  meet- 
prayers 

to  be 
[motions 
cncc  he 
[t  place, 
inducted 
le  place. 
lei.     For 
ni  times 


HOME  MISSIONARY  WOIiK. 


261 


until  June  18,  1882,  when  he  organized  a  Congrega- 
tional churcli  there  of  five  members  and  became  its 
pastor,  a  position  which  he  occupied  for  two  years. 
The  same  year  he  built  at  his  own  expense  a  Union 
Sabbath  School  Hall  there  on  a  lot  owned  by  himself. 
In  March,  1882,  Dr.  Eells  called  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
S.  D.  Stephens  and  wife,  members  of  the  church  at 
Colfax.  Mrs.  Stephens  had  been  more  efficient  in 
effecting  the  church  organization  than  any  other  per- 
son, although  living  nine  miles  distant.  She  gave  him 
a  dollar  and  said:  "  I  wish  this  to  be  applied  in  the 
erection  of  a  church  edifice  in  Sprague."  The  reason 
of  her  giving  it  was  because  she  had  a  sister  living 
there.  The  sum  was  small,  but  there  were  circum- 
stances connected  with  it  which  made  it  very  sacred. 
A  young  man,  a  lawyer,  was  living  not  far  from  them, 
trying  to  secure  land  by  living  on  it.  He  called  on 
Mrs.  Stephens  for  food.  Ham  and  bacon  were  weighed 
and  passed  to  him.  She  wrote  with  chalk  on  the  wall 
of  the  building,  a  log  building  that  she  frequented 
daily,  the  figures  indicating  the  transaction.  She  said  : 
*'  I  never  look  upon  those  figures  without  my  heart 
going  up  in  prayer  to  God  in  behalf  of  that  young  man. 
During  the  past  winter  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  he 
has  become  a  new  man  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  evidence 
thereof  is  to  myself  so  gratifying  that  I  wish  to  make 
this  thank-offering." 


it! 

'.  .  :  I  i  I 


n 


'•i  r 


y.t  \ 


2G2 


FAT II Ell  EELLS. 


i  tt  i 


This  was  the  first  dollar  given  for  the  erection  of 
the  Congregational  church  bnikling  at  Uprague.  Dr. 
Kells  said:  "That  dollar,  when  the  circumstances 
shall  be  known  regarding  it,  will  bring  other  dollars  ; " 
and  her  pound  did  gain  more  than  ten  pounds.  Iler 
two  girls  had  previously  given  Dr.  Eells  fifty  and 
twenty-five  cents  each.  With  their  consent,  he  placed 
this  with  the  dollar  from  their  mother.  She  afterwards 
added  another  dollar.  That  dollar  soon  increased  to 
thirty-three  dollars  —  thirty-three  fold. 

Besides  aiding  in  erecting  the  church  building  here, 
he  gave  this  church  a  bell  and  parsonage  site. 

The  house  was  built,  but  there  was  a  debt  on  it. 
The  time  was  near  when  tliis  must  be  paid,  or  the 
church  would  be  sold  under  the  hammer.  In  the 
emergency  Rev.  N.  F.  Cobleigh  went  to  St.  Paul, 
obtained  what  was  necessary,  and  returned  just  before 
the  expiration  of  the  time  when  the  property  would 
have  been  sold.  Dr.  Eells  gave  in  all  to  this  church 
more  than  seven  hundred  and  fiftv  dollars. 

Pleasant  Prairie.  This  church  had  been  organized 
November  1,  1885,  with  nine  members,  by  Deacon 
G.  II.  Andrus,  but  had  never  had  a  regular  pastor  until 
the  spring  of  1887,  when  Dr.  P^lls  went  there  regu- 
larly from  Medical  Lake.  He  went  there  during  the 
severe  winter  of  1887-88,  when  the  snow  was  very 
deep.     Says  Mr.  G.  T.  Beldeu,  of  that  church:  "  He 


on  of 
Dr. 

tauces 
lars ; 
,     Her 
Ly  and 
placed 
;r  wards 
ascd  to 


ig  here, 


it  on  it. 
or  the 
In    the 
t.  Paul, 
,t  before 
V  would 
Is  cliurcli 

)rganized 
Deacon 
Istor  until 
Icre  rcgu- 
luring  the 
I  was  very 
eh:  *'Hc 


HOME  MISSION  All  Y   WORK. 


263 


seemed  to  enjoy  his  work  here  and  was  always  a  wel- 
come and  i)leasant  visitor  at  our  house,  where  he  made 
himself  especially  agreeable  to  the  children  by  telling 
incidents  of  his  missionary  work  among  the  Indians." 

Medical  Luke.  Before  Dr.  Eells  moved  to  this  phice 
in  1881,  lie  i)reached  there  as  one  of  his  stations.  It 
was  not,  however,  until  after  his  removal  from  the 
place  in  1882  that  he  orgaiii/ied  a  church  there.  This 
was  done  September  1),  1883,  with  live  members.  Of 
this  he  continued  pastor  until  1888,  though  living 
there  only  about  a  year  and  a  half,  from  1886  to  1888. 
Though  often  absent,  his  heart  was,  however,  with  the 
church.  Thus  May  28,  188G,  he  wrote  :  "  During  the 
night  I  was  exercised  in  agonizing  prayer  with  refer- 
ence to  my  work  at  Medical  Lake.  The  intensity  of 
desire  was  beyond  ordinary  experience." 

During  his  last  year  here,  the  infirmities  of  age  were 
coming  o'u  him,  so  that  he  was  hardly  able  to  bear  the 
trials  which  came  in  his  work.  Denominational  zeal 
was  especially  trying  to  him.  In  regard  to  this  he 
said  of  himself  that  he  was  a  Congregatioualist  from 
the  crown  of  his  head  to  the  sole  of  his  feet,  and  yet 
he  added  :  "I  have  been  scrupulously  careful  not  to 
proselyte.  I  believe  that  I  have  not  at  any  time  urged 
an  individual  to  join  a  Congregational  church  who 
had  a  preference  for  some  other  church,  when  there 
was  an  opportunity  for  the  one  to  be  gratified.     If  there 


B  \ 


^  1  i 


Lii 


264 


FATHER  EELLS, 


H- 


f.^i^ 


wtre  no  other  church  near,  I  have  in  a  few  cases  sug- 
gested the  propriety  of  an  individual  becoming  con- 
nected with  a  Congregational  church  temporarily,  and 
that  when  there  should  be  an  opportunity,  if  so  desired, 
to  make  a  change." 

Kev.  J.  Edwards  said  of  him  :  "  He  was  not  a  Con- 
gregational propagandist.  I  know  of  several  locali- 
ties where  he  preached  gratuitously,  but  when  others 
would  come  in,  before  it  was  necessary,  he  would  give 
up  the  field  very  much  grieved.  He  abominated  sec- 
tarianism, but  loved  everything  that  pertained  to  the 
Church  of  Christ." 

He  was  sorely  tried  when  now  he  met  those  who 
believed  in  denominational  comity  for  all  denomina- 
tions except  the  Catholics  and  their  own,  and  that  if 
a  strong  church  of  another  denomination  existed  in  a 
town,  and  the  prospect  was  that  a  church  of  their 
order  could  be  organized  and  become  equally  strong, 
though  this  might  involve  the  overthrow  of  the  other 
church,  that  the  organization  should  be  effected,  and 
that  its  prospects  alone  should  be  considered,  and  the 
effect  on  any  other  church  in  operation  sliould  not  be 
taken  into  account.  On  this  point  he  wrote  the  follow - 
inor  at  different  times  :  — 

"March  17,  1887.  Human  judgment  is  erring, 
especially  where  there  is  personal  interest.  With  or 
without  reason,   I  have  believed   that   jealousy  and 


•--■SSESaBBBBD 


sug- 

cou- 

,  and 

sired, 

I  Con- 
locali- 
others 
id  give 
ed  see- 
to  the 

)se  who 

nomiiia- 

that  if 

,ed  in  ^ 
of  their 
stron*^;, 
|be  other 
■ted,  and 
and  the 
il  not  be 
Lc  follow - 

erring, 
With  or 
lousy  and 


HOME  MISSIOXAJiY   WOliK. 


265 


dononiinational  zeal  have  stirred  up  aiitagouisiii  to 
myself.  I  have  felt  it  keenly,  but  have  beeu  sustained 
and  comforted. 

"  August  22,  1887.  One  of  the  most  deeply  alllict- 
ing  experiences  of  my  work  in  Whitman,  Spokane,  and 
Stevens  counties  has  been  antagonism,  the  resultant  of 
unreasonable  denominational  zeal. 

"January  12,  1888.  I  am  humbled  by  the  remem- 
brance of  my  mistakes,  errors,  sins.  The  ill-treat- 
ment I  have  received,  the  resultant  of  denominational 
zeal,  may  be  the  rebuke  of  a  gracious  heavenly  Father 
and  loving  Saviour. 

"  March  20,  1888.  My  understanding  is  that  Satan 
is  suffered  to  buffet  me.  I  turn  to  Hebrews  2  :  18  ;  I 
repeat  the  words,  '  For  in  that  he  himself  hath  suf- 
fered being  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour  them  that 
are  tempted.' 

'*  March  21.  If  I  judge  correctly,  during  the  night 
I  was  exercised  with  strong  temptation  and  agonizing 
prayer.  The  tempter  would  have  me  renounce  my 
xaith  and  hope  in  God.  During  two  weeks  he  has 
been  suffered  to  exercise  almost  miraculous  power  to 
move  ray  anchorage.  I  suffer  from  the  conflict,  but 
have  conquered.  The  words.  '  For  I  have  kept  the 
ways  of  the  Lord,  and  have  not  wickedly  departed  from 
my  God'  (Psalm  18  :  21),  were  brought  to  my  mind  ; 
also  Psalm  6:9,'  The  Lord  hath  heard  my  supplica- 


1'  '1 


•I 


ill 

w 

i  ^ 

1 

■li! 


i 

-I 

i 

!:     1 

'. 

t. 

,        i 

\     1 

:•■  I- 


f'H 


2G6 


i'\\riU':n  i<:i:i.ls. 


ti    i 


ii'iii 


ti<»n  ;  (lu>  Ijord  will  rcccivi*  my  prayer.'  I  clMiiii  tluit  I 
iiiny  :qti>roi>riMtt'  Ihciu." 

Tlu'so  (rinls,  willi  fniliujj;  Im'mUIi  mikI  old  M|!J«',  cMiiHcd 
him  1«)  Itolicvo  that  his  aclivc  work  in  cjiHtciii  Wnsh- 
iii«;ioM  should  ho  hn)U};h(,  (o  !i  dose.  He  had  ofU-n 
(hoiiiiht  of  it  hcforo,  for  his  slrciiLflh  was  uiiiM|iial  to 
tluMVork  (M'owdin«;  upon  him.  As  early  as  l<S82ehureh 
lots  were  olTered  him  in  two  i)laees,  hut  he  did  not  set; 
how  he  eould  do  anythiiiji;  in  either  pla(H^  In  IHSf)  he 
wrote:  ''  ^  Yt)U  sire  doin^  too  nmeh  '  is  said,  and  then 
more  is  asked  of  me."  lint  now  he  saw  that  he  must 
lay  down  the  heavier  burdens,  conse(pienlly  May  G,  ho 
presented  the  following  resignation  to  the  ohnrch  :  — 

"1  believe  that  according  to  my  ability  1  have 
endeavored  to  serve  my  Maker  and  my  follows  in 
l)rcaching  the  gospel  of  Christ.  1  have  boon  willing 
to  my  i)ower,  yea,  and  beyond  my  power  to  labor  in 
the  performance  of  this  work.  I  am  not  conscious  of 
having  knowingly  shunned  to  declare  all  the  counsel 
of  God.  I  am  persuaded  that  I  have  practiced  exces- 
sive earnestness  and  personally  injurious  self-denial. 
The  love  of  Christ  has  constrained  me  to  endeavor 
self-sacrificinjilv  to  save  souls.  The  zeal  of  the  Lord's 
house  has  eaten  mo  up.  The  apparent  smallness  of 
favorable  results  of  my  work  has  caused  groat 
thoughts  of  heart,  great  searchings  of  heart.  I  firmly 
believe  that,  though  imperfect,  I  have  endeavored   to 


Hi  I 

nsh- 
)ri,cn 
I  ill  io 
hurt'U 

l)i  Hl'ii 

y  6,  he 

li:— • 

I    have 

owH  in 
willing 

ahor  in 
ions  of 
couusol 
cxccs- 

-  denial- 
ndeavov 
|e  Lord'B 
\iics8  of 

I  firmly 
ored  to 


HOME  MwsntxAUY  wo  UK. 


207 


lie  fiiilhrnl.  I'oKuihIy  in  (lu;  rutiin:  tiiiu;,  uiid  in  IIk; 
iiiKMidinji;  fiilui*',  ichuUh  iiimv  iippcur  iiMM|i(i(!(l. 

"  My  conviction  is  tlisil,  I  'un  not  Jihh;  to  contlnn^',  to 
perform  l!;<>h|>c1  work  ms  hrrctofort;.  Tlic  rcHiilt  of 
dclilMM'ati!  (uinHidcrntion  \h  tluit  my  n'sidcncc  in  (iJiHtcrn 
WuHliin«^ton  Territory  wlionld  terminate  at  the  esuTuiHt 
l>r.'icticHl)l(;  {\ixU\ ;  conH(!(inentiy  it  is  ncM'dfnl  that  my 
conne(!tion  with  von  aw  a  clinrch  Ix;  dlHHoIved.  There- 
fort!  I  hcM'iiby  tench'r  my  ri^Hignation  aw  yonr  pastor, 
which  you  ari;  reqn(!Ht(!d  to  acc(!pt. 

*'  Your  generouH  be.stowalH,  promotive  of  my  phyHi(;.'d 
enjoyment,  are  gratefully  acknowledged.  Your  Hvni- 
j)athi/-ing  kindne.SH  in  HicknesH  jind  sorrow  has  Ihmmi 
sustaining  and  comforting.  Your  prayers  in  my  luihalf 
are  recorded  on  high;  on  earth  they  have  excited  glad 
emotions.  May  they  he  returned  many  fold  into  the 
hosom  of  each  of  the  su[)pliants. 

"  In  the  faith  and   fellowship  of  the  gospel,  your 

unworthy  servant, 

CUSIIiNG  EELLS." 

A  few  days  later  he  received  the  following,  which  he 
termed  a  "  gratifying  reply  "  :  — 

Whereaa^  our  beloved  pastor,  Rev.  Cushing  Kells, 
who  has  labored  with  us  and  for  us  so  faithfully  for  four 
years,  has  been  led  to  offer  his  resignation,  desiring  the 
dissolution  of  his  relationship  with  us  as  pastor,  and 


t''f 


J  i 


<r\ 


f  i  II 


i  .   ] 


»■ 

1  \ 

i 

',' 

f 

■ 

! 

Wri 


2G8 


FATJIhi:   KI'JLLS. 


m 


Whrrcds,  hi)  lias  Ixh'H  {^ijuiU'd  iUv  in-'wUv^^v  for  so 
iiuiiiy  yi'jirs  of  UHcfiiliK^ss  in  tlio.  viiu^ysird  of  tlu;  Lord, 
JUS  II  i)ioiu,'cr  mis.sioimrv,  and  has  tirriviul  !it  tluit  Htjiirc! 
of  life  wluMi  rolii'f  from  care  and  rosi)()nsil)ility  seeniH 
reasonable  and  inn)erative, 

Uc.soJvcd^  that  we,  as  menihers  of  tin;  First  ('on^re- 
«j;ational  Ohnrch  of  Medieal  Lake,  recognize  (Jod 
<.^rak*fiilly  in  his  «j;oodness  in  grantinjj;  ns  the  intimate 
ae(|nainta.nee  and  fellowship,  and  able  and  scriptural 
instruction  of  so  devoted  a  minister  of  the  Lord  .Jeho- 
vah, for  so  lonji;  a  period. 

liciiolvc'd.,  that  we  aceei)t  the  resl<j;nation  with  a  deep 
feeling  of  regret  and  sadness,  realizing  tluit  our  loss  is 
great,  yet  we  reverently  submit  to  the  providence  of 
bim  who  ordereth  all  things  well,  and  in  such  a 
niiiDuer  as  to  work  togetlier  for  good  to  tbem  that 
love  him. 

licsolved.,  that  we  shall  always  remcnroer  him  wiih 
great  satisfaction,  and  always  feel  our  indebtedness  to 
him  for  f:,piritual  help  and  comfort,  and  shall  follow 
him  with  our  best  wishes,  and  ever  pray  God  to  pre- 
serve and  protect  him  for  many  more  years  to  come, 
and  that  his  path  may  shine  brighter  and  brighter  and 
brighter  nnto  the  perfect  day.  Wishing  him  grace, 
mercy  aud  peace, 

MARGARET  J,   McDOlIALL, 

(Jhurch  Clerk, 


m-^ 


nE8»S**w-' 


ir  so 
jonl, 


U.ii^i' 


CtMllS 

(Uxl 
jiutite 
j)tui:il 

.h'.lu)- 

:i  (leo\) 
loss  is 
iuce  of 
such   ti 
m  Uuit 

m  vviili 
noss  to 
follow 
to  prc- 
come, 
ter  and 


grace, 


iLT., 


0/erfc. 


JIOMK  MlSSlONAIiY    WORK. 


2()U 


TliUH,  sifli!!'  ;i,lmoHt  fifty  years  of  iictivo  sorvice  on 
(lit!  Psicilic  (>o:ist,  lit;  icsigiu'd  Ills  last  pastorato  and 
left  Medical  Lake  Mav  11),  with  the  followiiijj  entry 
ill  his  journal :  — 

"This  r.M.  I  leave  Medical  Ijake.  Marked  kind- 
ness has  ])een  shown  nie  hy  precious  friends.  \\u\\- 
pressihlc  sorrow  and  an<^uish  have  been  experienciMl  hy 
the  words  and  acts  of  others.  I  think  it  not  unlikely 
their  conduct  is  larj;ely  attributable  to  i<ijnorance  and 
erroneous  belief.     l)ou])tless  I  am  sensitive." 

He  went  to  the  Puyallu[)  Reservation,  near  Tacoina, 
to  the  residence  of  his  older  son. 

Two  trips  more  to  that  place  in  188U  and  181)1,  while 
east  of  the  Cascade  Mountains  in  connection  with  the 
commencements,  and  trustees'  meetinj^s  of  Whitman 
Collej^e,  some  pecuniary  assistance,  his  letters  and  his 
prayers,  ended  his  work  for  that  church.  But  the 
following  from  his  journal  shows  that  while  absent  in 
the  bodv  his  heart  was  still  there  :  — 

*'  September  7,  1888.  I  pray  much  for  the  divine 
approval  of  my  work  at  (Jheney  and  Medical  Lake. 
1  have  great  searchings  of  heart.  I  make  frequent 
request  that  the  seal  of  divine  approval  be  affixed  to 
my  work  at  Cheney  and  Medical  Lake. 

"August  19,  1889.  I  have  ordered  an  eight  hun- 
dred ])ound  bell  to  be  forwarded  to  liev.  David  Wirt 
ut  Medical  Lake. 


I   r 


%.  \    i 


;     1, 

r 

'1 

j 

: 

t 

i    ! 


270 


FATllKU   KKLLS. 


"OctobiT  li),  18HS).  Ill  my  (ht'tims  juul  waking 
inoiiuMits  I  am  :it  Modicul  Liikc. 

"  Ain'il  11,  181)1.  FatluM,  be  plojist'd  to  give  inc 
HubmiHsiou.  Ho  ploasod  to  set  the  mcjiI  of  api^'obution 
on  my  work  sit  Clienoy  suul  Mcdicjil  Luke." 

In  :uldition  to  the  bell  he  gtivc  tiie  church  iit  Medical 
Lake  an  organ. 

In  regard  to  this  whole  home  misrtionary  work  of 
Dr.  Kells,  Dr.  Atkinson  wrote  as  early  as  187D  in  his 
report  as  Superiuteudeut  of  Home  Missions  for  this 
region  :  — 

"  Pastor  PjcUs,  who  for  more  than  forty  years  has 
labored  as  a  laiuister  and  teacher  in  Oregon  and 
Washington,  still  supports  himself  for  tiie  most  part, 
while  always  a  welcome  guest  among  any  of  the  fami- 
lies of  his  people.  More  than  any  other  man  he  lias 
toiled  and  prayed  for  the  people  —  Indians  and  whites 
—  of  that  far  upper  country,  and  his  work  is  linding 
its  reward  now  in  his  own  ripening  age.  Known  and 
trusted  and  loved  among  them  all,  his  power  for  good 
increases  with  years.  His  counsel  is  sought  and 
heeded  in  the  plans  of  education  and  religion,  and  not 
infrequently  in  the  affairs  of  business.  In  his  care 
the  missionary  enterprises  of  that  whole  region  will 
ever  find  a  wise  friend  and  helper,  and  his  church  has 
good  prospect  of  growth  and  strength." 

This  wa8  the  tribute  of  him  who  has  been  styled  the 


JTM"^^ 


nO}n']  MISSIONAP^Y   WOIili. 


271 


u\g 


lUU 

lion 

k  of 

•  this 

•8  bus 
i    and 
part, 
fami- 
le  luis 
whites 
ludiug 
u  autl 
h>  o-ood 
kt    iiud 
lud  not 
is  care 
)n  will 
kh  hiis 

led  the 


*' Bishop  of  CongrejjjationalJHnfi  on  tiio  Pacific  Coast" 
to  his  friend  who  has  been  caUed  "  tbe  Apostk^  to 
Washinj^ton." 

As  a  result  of  these  hibors,  h^ss  than  a  year  after 
Dr.  Kells*  deatli,  Kev.  J.  E<lwards,  of  Spokane,  wrote  : 
*'  It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  the  Lord  setinis  espe- 
cially to  have  l)lesHed  tlio  churches  in  whicii  he  was 
interested.  I  consider  that  the  Colfax,  Si)raj5ue, 
Cheney,  and  Medical  Lake  churches  have  been  espe- 
cially blessed.  They  are  leading  churches  to-day, 
although  they  have  had  much  with  wiiich  to  contend. 
And  the  hold  we  have  had  in  Stevens  Cotuity  is  to  be 
attributed  mainly  to  his  early  labors.  We  have  more 
churches  there  (six)  than  any  other  two  (leuomina- 
tions." 

Somewhat  similar  remarks  have  been  made  in  regard 
to  Whitman  County  hy  a  Presbyterian  clergyman. 


k  it 


W 

mi] 


CHAPTER  XI. 


LAST    DAYS. 


1888-93. 


[{|'  ' 


M 


f         1 


DR.  KKLLS'  retirement  did  not  mean  entire  ces- 
HJition  from  ministerial  work.  He  lield  services 
onee  or  twice  a  month  at  Clover  Creek  and  Prairie- 
side,  about  twelve  miles  from  Taeoma,  quite  rcj^ularly 
for  three  summers.  He  also  preached  occasionally 
and  held  Uible  services  at  the  Puyallup  Reservation, 
and  he  richly  enjoyed  preparinjj;  for  these.  Of  this 
work  he  wrote,  April  21  to  25,  1889  :  '*  I  have  com- 
menced writin*]!;  on  the  Sabbath-school  lesson.  It  is 
like  daily  food.  I  rejoice  in  the  study  of  the  divine 
Word.  I  regard  it  as  an  inexpressible  privilege  thus 
to  write." 

August  29,  1888,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  his 
arrival  in  Washington  was  celebrated  at  his  residence 
at  the  Puyallup  Agency  by  his  children,  grand- 
children, and  a  few  friends.  That  morning  Dr.  Eells 
and  all  his  descendants  met,  the  first  time  all  had  ever 
done  so.  Tiiere  were  fifteen  of  them  ;  namely.  Dr. 
Eells,  Agent   Eells,   wife,  and  six  daughters,  of  the 

272 


«  .1; 


'C  ccs- 

or vices 

i'rairic- 

(ijriilarly 

sionally 

rvation, 

Of   this 
c  com- 
.     It  is 
»  divine 

Ltc  thus 

of    bis 
[esidencc 

grand- 
)v.  Kells 
I had  ever 
lely,  Br. 

.  of  the 


LAST  DAYS. 


273 


VnyMiliip  Roservation,  and  R(>v.  M.  KelLs,  wife,  and 
four  sons,  of  tlio  SkokomiHli  RcHervalion.  After 
l)reakf!ist  :iu  nrtisi  look  a  |)ii'ture  of  sill  of  Ihi'in. 

After  diimor  Rev.  K.  S.  StubbH,  liov.  S.  H. 
Choadle,  Mrs.  A.  M.  l*alrner,  and  Mr.  (i.  \V.  McII, 
havinjjj  come  out  to  pay  their  respectn  to  Dr.  Kolls 
on  the  completion  of  thivS  Hemi-eentiMinial  on  the 
Pacilic  coast,  a  very  i)lea8ant  afternoon  was  spciit 
together. 

Rev.  Myron  Kells  read  a  paper  in  regard  to  the 
ancestrv  of  the  Kells  family  from  the  time  the  first 
one  came  to  America  from  England  in  IG.'JO,  and 
showed  a  photograph,  taken  from  an  old  painting,  of 
Major  Sanuiel  Kells,  the  progenitor  of  the  family. 

The  following  mementos  were  also  shown  :  a  copy 
book  of  Mrs.  M.  F.  Kells,  very  neat  and  in  good  con- 
dition, dated  lH;]r) ;  a  letter  written  by  her  to  her  sister 
in  Massachusetts  from  Walla  Walla,  in  October,  IH.SS  ; 
three  of  her  certificates  for  teaching  school,  all  of 
them  over  fifty  years  old,  one  of  them  being  sixty 
years  old ;  a  hmcet  and  penknife  which  Dr.  Kells 
brougiit  across  the  plains  fifty  years  previous ;  a 
money  purse  and  leather  trunk  of  Mrs.  Kells,  which 
also  rode  horseback  across  the  continent  at  that  time  ; 
a  New  England  primer,  spelling  book,  and  Testament, 
which  Agent  Eells  read  and  studied  over  forty  years 
previous. 


I  : 


ii  r 


»r  4  fi  I! 


11 


,   ':    li 

;i 

M                '.I 

1 

M 


274 


FATHER  EKLL8, 


Doctor  Eclls  spoke  of  the  time  wlfen  mails  came  by 
way  of  Cape  Horn  and  the  Sandwich  Islands  once  in 
six  months,  the  newest  papers  beinjj;  six  montiis  and 
the  oldest  twelve  months  old  ;  also,  of  the  early  days, 
when,  livinj^  near  the  Spokane  River,  lie  had  traveled 
one  hnndred  and  forty  miles  to  put  a  letter  in  the 
post  olliee ;  and  that  often  he  was  two  weeks  in  going 
after  his  mails  and  in  returning. 

Refreshments  were  next  served,  after  which  tiie 
company  joined  in  singing  several  favorite  hymns, 
such  as : — 


r''  ',' 


I  love  thy  kitij^dom,  Lord. 
God  is  tlio  refuge  of  Ids  sidnts. 
When  he  eometh. 
Silently  the  shades  of  evening. 


Prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain  Stubbs,  the  doxology 

was   sung,   and   the   benediction   pronounced   by  Dr. 
Eells. 

In  18U0  he  arrived  at  the  age  of  fourscore  and 
made  on  his  birthday  the  following  entry  in  his 
journal :  — 

"  This  is  the  eightieth  anniversary  of  my  mortal 
life.  I  have  anticipated  it  with  thoughtful  interest. 
At  intervals  of  varying  length  I  have  been  impressed 
with  the  conviction  that  probably  I  shall  live  to  the 
return  of   aaother  like  day.     I   have   read   the  short 


LAST  DAYS. 


275 


B  by 

?e  in 

aiul 

lliU'S, 

velcd 
a  the 
going 

■h   tlic 
lymns, 


:)Xology 
)y  Dr. 

)rc   and 
in    his 

mortal 

interest. 

ipreBScd 

e  to  the 

he  short 


sermon  pronounced  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Atkinson. 
1  note  the  word  retit.  My  sensation  is  hirgoly  that 
of  weariness.  The  idea  of  rest  is  welcome.  1  judge 
that  in  fact  I  have  ])een  constant  in  excessive  labors. 
Possibly  a  long  rest  would  be  advantageous.  I 
would  attempt  to  do  more  or  less  as  it  shall  accord 
with  the  divine  will.  1  desire  to  renew  the  consecra- 
tion of  my  powers  and  possessions  to  the  service  and 
glory  of  God.  I  am  penetrated  with  a  sense  of  per- 
sonal unworthiuess.  Remembrance  of  sins  of  earlier 
and  later  years  is  humiliating.  I  hope  in  the  pardon- 
ing mercy  of  a  forgiving  God.  Blessed  Jesus,  be 
pleased  to  cleanse  me  by  thy  blood." 

That  evening  his  sons  and  friends  gathered  to  con- 
gratulate him  in  a  sacred  service. 

In  May,  1890,  he  made  his  last  trip  to  Skokomish. 
While  there  he  baptized  his  youngest  grandchild,  Roy 
Whitman,  who  had  been  named  in  memory  of  Dr. 
J.  p].  Roy,  of  Chicago,  and  of  Dr.  Marcus  Whitman. 
He  had  previously  baptized  all  of  his  ten  other  grand- 
children, and  now,  more  than  eighty  years  older  than 
the  youngest,  he  administered  the  same  rite  to  him. 
Only  one  died  before  the  grandsire. 

He  enjoyed  greatly  the  meetings  of  the  Tacoma 
Ministerial  Alliance,  which  were  held  on  Monday  fore- 
noon.    It  was  a  kind  of  society  which  was  very  con- 

ft,  ft> 

genial  to  h.<'n.  nnd  yet  of  which,  in  so  full  a  measure, 


11 


i  I' 


I  I 


•  f 

;;   i 

;;-  I 


276 


FATJIElt  EELLS. 


r  ;i 


i   f 


lie  had  been  deprived  during  the  whole  of  his  previous 
life. 

In  1891,  in  commemoration  of  his  eighty-first  birth- 
day, they  addressed  him  the  following  communica- 
tion :  — 

Tacoma,  Wash.,  February  23,  1891. 

To  THE  Rev.  Cusiiing  Eells,  d.d. 

Dear  Father  and  Brother^ — The  Ministerial  Alli- 
ance of  Tacoma  feels  its  utter  inability  to  express 
in  a  befitting  manner  the  sentiments  of  love  and  vener- 
ation awakened  bv  vour  chaste  and  characteristic  note 
of  the  16th,  in  which  you  kindly  allow  us  to  know  that 
the  same  marks  the  eight^'-first  anniversary  of  your 
birth.  Eighty-one  years  of  mortal  life  !  Sixty-six 
years  of  life  "hid  with  Christ  in  God"!  Fifty-five 
years  spent  in  proclriming  "  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ "  !  Fiftv-three  vears  of  active  ministerial  service 
on  the  northwest  Pacific  coast !  This  is,  indeed,  a 
wonderful  record,  and  we  are  deeply  impressed  by  it 
and  grateful  to  God,  whose  grace  has  permitted  and 
whose  spirit  has  inspired  it.  In  it  you  stand  among 
us  the  peerless  man,  who  will  leave  no  successor  upon 
the  field  of  his  lifelong  service. 

And  now,  venerable  father,  whom  none  could  either 
coax  or  compel  to  say  one  word  in  his  own  praise,  you 
must  be  silent  while  we,  your  favorite  sons,  speak  your 
merited  praise.     There  is  in  human  hearts  a  natural 


'lOUS 

lirth- 
inica- 

1891. 

AlU- 
xpvesrt 
vcner- 
ic  note 
jw  that 
)f  your 
ixty-six 
iftv-fivc 
iches  of 

service 
deed,  a 

d  by  it 

ted  and 
among 

or  upon 

Id  either 
(vise,  you 
uik  your 
natural 


LAST  DAYS. 


277 


reverence  for  that  which  is  old,  and  that  reverence  is 
spontaneously  granted  to  virtuous  old  age. 

Dead  must  bo  the  heart,  the  bosom  cold, 
That  warms  not  with  aft'ection  for  the  old. 

Inanimate  things,  representing  nothing  but  physical 
duration,  —  the  sight  of  a  mountain  peak,  silent  from 
the  hush  of  centuries  ;  the  vision  of  the  ocean,  whose 
horizon  has  marked  that  of  the  world  since  creation's 
dawn,  —  these  fill  us  with  awe  ;  and  when,  as  to-day, 
we  look  upon  one  who  has  lived  over  a  long  reach  of 
years,  his  face  and  form  take  on  something  of  the 
dignity  of  the  eternal  hills  and  of  the  silent  sea.  We 
share  with  Tischendorf  in  his  feeling  of  reverence 
when  he  gazed  on  the  manuscript  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  the  Monastery  of  St.  Catherine,  realizing  that 
the  characters  which  met  his  eyes  were  traced  in  the 
fourth  or  fifth  century  of  our  era,  and  that  he  stood  in 
the  presence  of  a  volume,  stained  and  torn,  but  which 
in  its  age  and  character  was  venerable  and  beyond 
price.  Old  age  in  you,  sir,  is  a  volume  which  we 
reverence,  as  do  all  who  know  you.  In  your  life,  what 
varied  and  piecious  tales,  tales  of  love  and  duty,  are 
recorded !  The  innumerable  incidents  of  far-away 
youth,  of  mature  manhood  and  of  later  age,  that  make 
up  the  record  of  a  long  life,  filled  with  highest  useful- 
ness, are  there  recorded  in  imperishable  characters.    A 


ir  i 


i^    s 


;••    ' 


i;r(,     !• 
!r  1 ;    1 


278 


FATHER  EELL8. 


Ill  Hi., 


ship,  voyaging  long,  pounded  about  by  the  merciless 
waves  of  the  sea,  is  a  noble  sight  as  she  approaches 
her  anchorage.  Glorious  is  tlie  close  of  day,  when  in 
the  mellow  light  of  the  setting  sun  all  things  grow 
still  and  solemn.  But  sublimer  than  either  is  the 
approaching  close  of  a  long,  just,  kind,  and  useful 
life. 

We  come  not  to  anomt  you  "  aforehand  for  the 
burying "  ;  we  are  here  to  break  over  your  devoted 
head  the  alabaster  box  of  loving  appreciation  while 
yet  we  have  you  with  us.  We  cannot  approach  you 
with  "  weak  praise."  You  have  shown  us  that  to  grow 
older  is  not,  necessarily,  to  "  grow  old."  Some  are  old 
and  withered  and  desiccated  from  their  birth.  Others 
are  ever  young.  Winter  snows  their  heads  but  sends 
no  breath  of  frost  to  their  warm  blood.  They  go  back 
to  their  Creator  beautiful  in  renewed  youth,  strong  in 
immortal  vigor.     Of  such  you  are. 

You  have  taught  us  lessons  of  hope.  Never  have 
we  learuvid  from  you  that  the  world  grows  worse,  or 
that  the  kingdom  of  the  Christ  is  about  to  topple  over. 
In  the  name  of  Almighty  God  and  his  coming  king- 
dom you  have  kept  heart  and  have  been  able  to  discern 
that  the  golden  age  is  not  in  the  past,  but  in  the  future. 

Nearly  a  century  ago  it  was  written :  — 

Aj^e  is  the  heaviest  burden  man  can  bear, 
Compounded  of  disappointment,  pain,  and  care. 


LAST  DAYS. 


279 


ilcss 
uhcs 
;n  in 
nrrow 
,   the 
iseful 

»r  the 
ivoted 

while 
;h  you 
3  grow 
are  old 
Others 
t  seuds 

o  baek 
|rong  in 

jr  have 
)rse,  or 
le  over. 
|g  king- 
discern 
future. 


re. 


And  Byron,   prematurely  old,    wrote   at   the   age    of 
thirty-six  :  — 

My  days  ure  in  the  yellow  leaf. 

The  flower  and  fruits  of  love  are  gone; 
The  worm,  the  canker,  and  the  grief 

Are  mine  alone. 

But  no  man  who  has  "walked  with  God"  has  any 
such  realization  of  life.  Men  of  God  can  say  :  "  My 
inward  man  is  renewed  day  hy  day.  My  senses  grow 
dull,  but  thoughts  are  clear,  convictions  are  firm,  and 
hopes  are  bright.  Sad  memories  have  lost  their  bitter- 
ness, holy  ones  have  put  on  a  heavenly  beauty.  Tue 
day's  work  is  nearly  done  and  home  is  near." 

John  Bunyan  was  in  middle  life  wlien  he  wrote 
the  Pilgrim's  Progress.  Yet  he  put  tlie  Beulah  land 
last,  at  the  close  of  the  journey  and  in  sight  of  the 
celestial  city.  Perhaps  he  had  seen  this  in  the  life  of 
some  aged  saint,  or  his  spiritual  instincts  told  him  of 
it.  Certainly  the  conception  is  a  beautiful  one.  The 
air  was  sweet  and  fragrant  with  flowers,  and  vocal 
with  the  voice  of  the  turtle  dove  and  the  singing  of 
birds.  The  land  was  out  of  the  reach  of  Giant  De- 
spair and  far  from  the  sight  of  Doubting  Castle.  Here 
Pilgrims  met  the  Shining  Ones,  plainly  saw  the  pearly 
gates,  and  were  called  "  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord." 

You  have  reached  the  Beulah  laud.  We  call  you 
blesBed. 


ii 


i  i: 


■I 


!| 


I   v 


If 


il 


i ; 


«   m 


280 


FATHER  J'JI'JLLS. 


*'  I  think,"  siiid  Gcorgo  Willisiin  Curtis,  "  to  know 
one  good  old  nuin  —  one  who  throiigii  the  ciiiinccB  iind 
misc'liMuiTH  of  II  loiiji;  lifo  has  cjin'itHl  his  heart  in  liand 
like  a  pahn  branch,  waving  all  discords  into  peace  — 
lielps  our  faith  in  God  and  in  each  other  more  than 
many  sermons."  In  you,  sir,  we  know  such  a  one.  Vou 
are  inlluential  in  all  our  gatlicrings,  a  force,  not  a  fossil. 
A  godly  ancestry,  the  culture  of  college  and  seminary, 
and  better  still,  tiic  culture  that  comes  from  a  life-walk 
with  God,  these  are  behind  you  and  iu  you.  We  have 
no  power  to  honor  reverently  any  of  our  number  which 
we  do  not  command  to  pay  its  first  tribute  to  you.  May 
your  renuiining  days  on  earth  be  the  serenest,  happiest, 
most  attractive  and  most  blessed  of  vour  life.  "The 
Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee  :  the  Lord  make  his  face 
shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  :  the  Lord  lift 
up  his  couutenance   upon  thee,  and  give  thee  i)eace." 

Assuring  you,  dear  sir,  that  the  pleasant  labor  of 
preparing  this  address  was  imposed  upon  us  by  the 
Ministerial  Alliance  of  Tacoma  (of  which  you  are  an 
honored  member) ,  and  that  tiic  same  has  been  adopted 
by  unanimous  vote  of  the  Alliance,  we  are  happy  to 
inscribe  ourselves,  your  brethren  in  the  Lord. 

B.  S.  MacLaffeuty, 

President. 
Chaplain  R.  S.  Stubus, 

Secretary. 


LAST  DAYS, 


281 


now 

and 
lituul 
cc  — 

llitin 

You 
'ossil. 
insirv, 

3-Wllllv 

D  have 
wbicU 
May 
ppiest, 

lis  face 
m'{\  lift 

)eace." 
tibov  of 

bv  tbc 
are  an 

idopted 
lippv  to 


I'esident' 

ins, 
^xretary. 


Dr.  Eells  replied,  under  j^reat  stress  of  feeling,  with 
some  most  interesting  remarks  on  the  advantages  and 
enjoyments  of  a  Ciu'istian  oUl  age. 

In  Septenjber,  l^<l)2,  he  went  to  Chewclah  to  assist 
in  dedicating  the  church  there,  and  later  offered  the 
dedicatory  prayer  at  the  laying  of  the  corner  stones  for 
the  Plymouth  Congregational  church  at  Seattle,  the 
last  service  of  the  kind  he  performed. 

But  weakness  crept  on,  and  he  was  often  reminded 
that  his  remaining  days  must  be  few.  In  Octol)er, 
1889,  his  left  side  was  partially  paralyzed.  Although 
in  the  main  he  recovered  so  as  to  use  it  quite  easily, 
yet  he  never  controlled  it  as  freely  as  the  other  side. 

In  March,  1891,  hia  only  remaining  l)rother,  Charles, 
came  from  Illinois  to  visit  him,  his  son,  and  nephews 
—  his  first  trip  to  the  Pacific  coast.  Tiiis  brother 
arrived  at  tlie  home  of  Dr.  Eells,  but  was  soon  taken 
with  a  relapse  of  la  grippe  and  died  there  at  the  age 
of  nearly  seventy-two.  Dr.  Kells  was  seized  by  the 
same  disease  almost  before  his  l)rotlier  died,  and  it  was 
feared  that  in  a  few  days  he  would  follow.  lie  himself 
thought  so  and  said:  "Is  it  wrong  to  pray  that  God 
would  take  awav  niv  breath  ?  "  Then  ho  would  answer  ; 
*'  Thy  will  be  done  ;  come  quickly,  Lord  Jesus  !  " 

His  lov«!  in  timcH  past 

Forl)itls  nic  to  think 
He'll  Icjivc  me  at  last 

{u  trouble  to  sink. 


i:  I 


282 


FATUEli  EELLS. 


,*•;■:'! 


J  I   • 


Sometimes  tbe  future  seemed  dark,  but  he  said : 
*'And  if  I  j^o  aud  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come 
again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself  ;  that  where  I  am, 
there  ye  may  be  also."  "  When  Christ,  who  is  our 
life,  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in 
glory."  The  Ninety-first  Psalm  and  twenty-second 
chapter  of  Revelation  were  especially  precious. 

In  December,  1891,  while  driving  in  Tacoma,  he 
was  thrown  out  and  run  over.  No  bones  were  broken, 
but  he  was  considerably  injured,  aud  it  was  strange 
that  be  was  not  killed.  It  took  him  some  time  to 
recover. 

He  realized  that  there  was  but  a  step  between  him 
and  death.  The  following  entries  in  his  journal  give 
his  thoughts  on  the  subject :  — 

*'  October  6,  1889.  I  am  feeble  ;  have  been  on  the 
bed  a  part  of  the  day.  If  I  mistake  not  I  am 
strongly  persuaded  that  I  have  endeavored  to  please 
and  honor  my  Maker  and  subserve  the  best  interests 
of  my  fellows.  My  impression  is  that  my  existing 
frailty  is  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  my  mortal  life. 
I  have  no  certain  idea  of  the  probable  speed  of  my 
expected  decline.  To  myself  the  favorable  results  of 
my  life  work  seem  small.  On  account  of  this  impres- 
sion I  weep.  I  am  comforted  by  the  conviction  that  I 
have  endeavored  faithfully  to  perform  the  work  that 
I  believe  was  assigned  me." 


LAST  DAYS. 


283 


coinc 
I  am, 
3  our 
lim  in 
econd 

na,  he 
rokeu, 
itrange 
ime  to 

ien  bim 
aal  give 

on  the 
t  I  am 

please 
nterests 
existing 
tal  life, 
of  my 
isults  of 
impres- 
iii  that  I 
)rk  that 


*'  October  26.  At  different  periods  for  years  I  have 
been  impressed  with  a  sense  of  personal  nnworthinesa 
and  guilt.  There  has  been  pungent  conviction  of  sin. 
I  have  not  given  up  my  hope  in  Christ.  At  times  it 
lias  not  afforded  me  prevailing  comfort.  I  have  feared 
to  give  expression  to  my  unhappiness  lest  there])y 
the  enemy  would  blaspheme.  Likely  the  tempter  has 
taken  advantage  of  physical  conditions  to  aggravate 
my  misery.  I  have  not  continuously  enjoyed  the  com- 
fort that  a  soul  in  harmony  with  the  Triune  God  might 
be  expected  to  possess.  During  the  last  night  I  was 
favored  with  the  assurance  of  acceptance  that  is  sus- 
taining. It  was  done  in  a  way  that  I  do  not  very  well 
understand,  waking,  sleeping,  in  dreams,  in  visions. 
I  was  persuaded  that  my  life  work  is  approved." 

"January  25,  1891.  I  have  clear  conviction  that 
by  the  grace  of  God  I  have  been  enabled  to  serve  my 
Maker  and  fellows  with  sincerity  and  faithfulness. 
It  seems  to  me  that  according  to  my  understanding 
of  Scripture  my  life  work  must  be  accep^'^d.  With 
earnestness  and  confidence  I  plead  :  ' '  Hear  my  prayer, 
0  Lord.  Give  ear  to  my  supplications  :  in  thy  faith- 
fulness answer  me,  and  in  thy  righteousness." 

*'  March  5.  This  is  the  fifty-third  anniversary  of  my 
marriage.  I  enjoy  more  vigor  than  most  at  the  age  of 
eighty -one  years.  I  desire  to  be  devoutly  grateful  for 
the   evidence  that   I   shall   before   long   sit  down   at 


1  I 


284 


FATIU'JIi   KELLS. 


im 


tlio    in.'inisij^c    Bupper   of    the    Lsunb    in    my   Fsitlu'r'.i 
kiii^d^Mii." 

"October  0,  1802.  Mv  dJiilv  roadinjjr  is  iiiHtnic- 
live,  ontortniirm*^,  and  promotive  of  devotion.  It  ih 
a  fetiHt  of  f:it  thintru* 


If  Huch  \\\v  swectiu'SM  of  Iho  strciiin, 

Wliat  must  Mm;  fountain  lie, 
VVIhm'o  saints  uinl  an^^ols  ilriiw  tUuir  biisH, 

Innnediutely  from  Uicc? 


%:': 


.:■  f   ;    I 


*' October  10.  Modcriitely,  I  say,  if  fitted  to  bo 
transferred,  I  think  the  l)liss  of  heaven  is  attractive." 

"  Novem])er  28.  I  have  a  realized  conviction  of 
failing  powers.  As  the  mortal  decays,  tiie  immortal  is 
renewed.  If  not  deceived  1  am  joyful  in  the  Triune 
God." 

"  December  2G.  This  morning  tiie  words,  '  Ile^  c- 
ing  that  they  were  connted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  tor 
his  name,*  occur  to  me.  To  suffer  for  Ciirist's  sake 
is  a  privilege." 

"  January  5,  1803.  1  am  admonished  of  my  frailtv. 
Tlie  consideration  is  not  unwelcome." 

**  November  23,  1802.  I  am  well  and  ill  inter- 
changeably. 1  have  premonition  of  dissolution.  I 
ask  to  be  sparec*  to  complete  certain  business  arrange- 
ments. 1  am  somewhat  in  doubt  whether  or  not  my 
request  will  be  ;^rauted." 


LAST  DAYS. 


28f) 


it  me- 
lt U 


to  be 
,ctive." 
tion  of 
lortiil  iH 

Triune 

lie-  c- 
Linc  lor 


's  s 


aki 


Ifrailtv 


inter- 
Lion.  1 
[rrangc- 

uot  my 


This  desire  wuh  to  complete  tlie  purehsise  of  iv  ]>ell 
for  the  elinreh  at  (.'hewelah.  There  were  some  unae- 
coiintabh»  dehiys  whicli  trouhh'd  him,  but  Iiis  reciiiest 
was  granted,  and  by  February  tlie  oell  was  ordered 
and  paid  for. 

He  had  ])een  requested  many  times  to  write  out 
some  of  the  most  interesting  reminiseenees  of  iiis  life. 
He  had  found  but  little  time  to  do  it  until  181)2,  when 
he  bad  dictated  about  all  he  cared  to  tell. 

He  now,  too,  stood  almost  the  last  of  his  pioneer 
associates.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman  had  ])een  killed  in 
1847,  the  former  at  the  age  of  forty-five,  and  the  latter 
thirty-nine.  Mrs.  Spalding  had  died  in  1851  at  the 
age  of  forty-four;  Mrs.  A.  li.  Smith  in  185r),  aged 
forty -on  e ;  Father  Spalding  in  1874  at  the  age  of 
seventy ;  Father  Walker  in  1877,  aged  seventy-two ; 
Mrs.  Eells  in  1878,  seventy-three ;  the  second  Mrs. 
Spalding  in  1880,  seventy-one ;  Mrs.  W.  II.  Gray  in 
1881,  seventy-one;  Rev.  A.  B.  Smith  in  1880,  aged 
seventy-six;  and  Hon.  W.  H.  Gray  in  1880,  seventy- 
nine.  Only  Mrs.  Walker  was  left,  who  was  more  than 
a  year  younger  than  Dr.  Eells. 

Nearly  all  with  whom  he  had  been  associated  in  his 
early  work  for  the  whites  had  also  gone  :  Rev.  Harvey 
Clarke  in  1858,  and  his  wife  in  1866,  each  aged  fifty- 
one;  Mrs.  Horace  Lyman  in  1874,  aged  fifty-three; 
S.  H.  Marsh,  d.d.,  in  1879,  fifty-three ;  Mrs.  J.  S. 


I 


!' 


,    ! 


'I   I 


286 


FATHER  EELLS. 


3i  in 


Griffin  in  1884,  seventy-nine  ;  Rev.  H.  Lyman  in  1887, 
seventy-one;   Rev.    G.    H.  Atkinson,  d.d.,  in    1881), 
sixty-nine ;  Rev.  P.  B.  Chamberlain  in  1889,  sixty - 
four ;  Rev.  O.  Dickinson  in  1892,  aged  seventy-four. 
He    had     on     December    15,     1892,    conducted    the 
funeral  services  of  Mr.  John  Flett,  a  pioneer  of  1841, 
with  whom  he  had  been  very  intimate.     He  had  ex- 
pected some  of  these,  especially  Dr.  Atkinson,  Mr. 
Dickinson  and  Mr.  Flett,  to  outlive  him.     Onlv  Rev. 
J.  S.  Griffin,  Mrs.  Dickinson,  and  Mrs.  Atkinson,  of 
those   who   came   previous   to  1853,   remained.     Dr. 
Eells  stood  almost  alone  of  all  these  who  had  come 
within  fifteen  years  of  the  time  he  did  —  entirely  alone 
of  all  in  his  adopted  State  of  Washington,  the  others 
being  in  Oregon.     He  thought  of  those  who  had  gone 
beyond,   of   his   brothers   and   sisters,    of   his   wife' 
brothers  and  sisters,  all  of  whom  had  preceded  him 
and  of  manv  others  with  whom  he  had  been  bound  ii 
Christian  work,  and  many  times  read  the  following 
poem :  — 


i   '. 


SHALL  WE  FIND  THEM  AT  THE  PORTALS? 

Bit    J.  E.  KANKIN,  D.D.,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

Will  they  meet  us,  cheer  and  greet  us, 
Those  we've  loved,  who've  gone  before? 

Shall  we  iind  them  at  the  portals, 

Fin<l  our  l»eauti(ied  immortals, 
When  we  reach  that  radiant  shore? 


[.  Lvman  in  1887, 
a,  D.D.,  in    188i), 
a  in  1889,  sixty- 
ged  seventy-four. 
I,    conducted    the 
I  pioneer  of  1841, 
ate.     He  had  ex- 
)r.  Atkinson,  Mr. 
him.     Only  Rev. 
Mrs.  Atkinson,  of 
!,  remained.     Dr. 
}se  who  had  come 
id  —  entirely  alone 
lington,  the  others 
lose  who  had  gone 
ers,    of   his    wife's 
liad  preceded  him, 
had  been  bound  in 
L-ead  the  following 


lAST  DAYS. 

Hearts  aw  broken,  for  so/ne  token 
That  they  live,  ami  love  us  yet! 
And  we  ask,  "  Can  those  who've  left  us, 
Of  love's  look  and  tone  bereft  us, 
Though  in  heaven,  cau  they  forget?" 

And  we  often,  as  days  soften, 
And  conies  out  the  evening  star, 

Looking  westward,  sit  and  wonder, 

Whether,  when  so  far  asunder, 
They  still  think  how  dear  they  are  I 

Past  yon  portals,  our  immortals, 
Those  who  walk  with  Him  in  white. 

Do  they,  mid  their  bliss,  recall  us? 

Know  they  what  events  befall  us? 
Will  our  coming  wake  delight? 

Tliey  will  meet  us,  cheer  and  greet  us, 
Those  we've  loved,  who've  gone  before,- 

We  shall  find  them  at  the  portals, 

Fhid  our  beautified  immortals, 
When  we  reach  that  radiant  shore. 

He  also  looked  at  death,  and  copied  these  verses 

DEATH. 

Ah,  lovely  appearance  of  death, 

What  sight  upon  earth  is  so  fair? 
Not  all  the  gay  pageants  that  breathe 

Can  with  a  dead  body  compare. 
Of  evils  Incapable  thou, 

Whose  relic  with  envy  I  see. 
No  longer  in  misery  now, 

No  longer  a  sinner  like  me. 


287 


i  » 


288  FATlUm  KELLS. 

IIKAVKN. 

Ill^h  ill  vdiulcr  rniiiiiH  of  li^lit 

Dwfll  tlio  ruptun;(l  suliits  iiliovo, 
Fill"  hI»«>v«'  our  f«'rl»lo  nif^ht., 

Happy  ill  liniuiUiuoI'M  lovu. 
ril^^riiiis  ill  tliis  vule  of  IciirH, 

Oui'o  tlicy  IviM'W,  lilii!  UH  b(!low, 
(Jloomy  (louhts,  <ii.sfn\s,siiifi;  ftMirs, 

Torturing  pain,  and  heavy  woo. 

He  lisid  prayed  huiuhvds  of  tiinoM  for  liiiiiHcIf  and 
others  :  ''  May  we  eome  down  to  tlie  grave  like  a  Hlioek 
of  corn  fully  ripe  !  "  His  prayer  had  been  answered. 
To  his  friend''  lie  still  seemed  well  and  about  as  full  of 
life  as  he  had  usually  been  ;  but  to  God  he  was  fully  ripe 
for  heaven,  his  work  well  done,  and  there  was  nothing 
left  but  to  be  plucked,  to  be  transferred  to  the  realms 
of  light. 

On  Saturday,  February  11,  1(S1)3,  he  wrote  in  his 
journal:  '••  INIy  feelings  impress  me  vith  the  nearing 
elose  of  my  mortal  life.  Later  :  1  have  felt  comfort- 
able." That  was  the  last  full  sentence  in  his  journal, 
in  whicli  he  had  with  few  exce})tions  written  daily 
during  his  nearly  llfty-tive  years  of  work. 

The  next  day,  the  Sabbath,  he  rode  to  church  from 
his  son's  residence,  which  was  then  in  Tacoma.  Ar- 
riving at  the  First  Congregational  ("hurch  he  partici- 
pated in  some  of  the  services.  On  the  way  home 
he  felt  chilled  through  and  through,  and  on  reaching 


.mm 

I  D<c»e    r 


mmmm 


■ 


LAST  DAYS. 


289 


III 


if  and 
Hhock 

full  of 
lly  ripe 
iothin<!; 
realius 

in  his 
ncMiing 

unfort- 
loiinuil, 
In  daily 

l\\  from 
II.  Ar- 
Ipartici- 
home 
leaching 


houje  it  was  thought  hi;  had  not  been  clothi;d  warmly 
enough. 

After  dinner  he  went  out  to  ftied  old  Le  Hlond,  and 
in  doing  ho  fell  and  wan  unable  to  rise.  IHh  nie(5e 
found  him  later,  and  he  waH  removed  to  his  room, 
where  he  remainiMl  until  TueHday.  It  wan  pneumonia. 
Tue.sdsiy  and  Wednesday  he  seemed  better,  and  on 
Wednesday  he  got  up  an<l  wrote  a  little.  Some  friends 
visited  him,  among  others  his  pastor.  Rev.  L.  U.  Hal- 
loek.  To  him  his  last  words  were  :  "  I  am  very  siek. 
I  do  not  know  what  the  issue  will  be,  but  1  can  say  : 
'Thy  will,  O  God,  be  done.'  1  rest  in  Ilim."  That 
night  he  became  worse,  and  a  physician  was  summoned, 
but  nothing  couUl  be  done  to  save  him.  He  watched 
the  time,  until  after  midnight  of  the  Ifith,  his  birth- 
day, when  he  asked  his  granddaughter  to  write  in 
his  journal:  "Eighty-three  years  ago  to-day  I  com- 
menced this  mortal  life."  Afterwards  he  gave  some 
directions  in  regard  to  iiis  faithful  horse,  and  that  was 
his  last  word.  About  half-i)ast  two  he  breathed  his 
last.  He  had  expressed  a  wish  that  he  might  }>e  per- 
mitted to  round  out  his  eighty-third  year.  This  was 
granted,  and  his  eighty-third  birthday  on  earth  was 
his  first  in  heaven. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  on  the  following 
Sabbath  ;  first,  at  the  house,  where  intimate  friends 
were  present.     These  were  conducted  by  his  younger 


('  r 


290 


FAT  HE  11  EELLS. 


,ii» 


I: 


If  i  *. 


son,  Rev.  M.  Eclls,  assisted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  of 
Tacoma,  and  Rev.  IMr.  Pamment,  of  the  Puyalhip 
Indian  ReseiTation.  After  this,  the  body  was  taken 
to  the  Congregational  church,  where  excellent  ad- 
dresses were  made  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  L.  II.  Hallock, 
Rev.  B.  S.  MacLafferty,  president  of  the  Ministerial 
Alliance,  Rev.  I.  Sims,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Cherrington  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  with  prayer  by  Chap- 
lain R.  S.  Stubbs. 

The  next  day  the  body  was  taken  to  Seattle,  where 
it  was  met  by  several  of  the  old  pioneers  and  taken 
to  the  Congregational  church,  and  addresses  were 
made  by  Rev.  Messrs.  W.  Nutting,  S.  Green,  and  Dr. 
A.  J.  Anderson,  late  president  of  Whitman  College. 
It  was  then  taken  to  the  cemetery  and  laid  by  the  side 
of  his  wife. 

Memorial  services  were  afterward  held  at  Walla 
Walla,  where  the  principal  address  was  made  by  the 
Rev.  J.  Edwards,  assisted  also  by  President  J.  F. 
Eaton  and  Mrs.  N.  F.  Cobleigh,  of  Whitman  College, 
and  Dr.  A.  J.  Anderson,  its  late  president ;  also,  at 
Colfax,  where  the  principal  address  was  made  by  Rev. 
H.  P.  James,  the  pastor,  who  took  the  place  which  it 
was  expected  would  be  occupied  by  Hon.  J.  A.  Per- 
kins, who  was  unexpectedly  called  away,  Dr.  F.  M. 
Bunnell  also  paying  a  tender  and  appropriate  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  his  old  friend ;  also,  at  Medical  Lake, 


Bgjgw-y.'at^f  =••'."  ■•'' 


LAST  DAYS. 


291 


ti,  of 

allup 

ttikeu 

t   ad- 

llock, 

3terial 

ton  of 

Chap- 
where 
taken 

3   were 

md  Dr. 

College. 

,he  side 

Walla 
bv  the 

J.  F. 
/Ollegc, 
dso,  at 
)y  Rev. 

^hich  it 
Per- 
LF.  M. 
Iibute  to 

il  Lake, 


where  remarks  were  made  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  S. 
Dudley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Gilkey,  and  Rev.  F.  V. 
Hoyt ;  at  Skokomish.  the  first  church  of  which  he  was 
pastor,  conducted  by  his  son ;  and  at  Ravenswood, 
near  Chicago,  111.,  where  the  address  was  by  Rev. 
Marcus  Whitman  Montgomery,  assisted  by  Dr.  J.  E. 
Roy,  with  stercopticon  views. 

These  widespread  services  show  the  estimation  in 
which  Dr.  Eells  was  held.  The  following  extracts  are 
taken  from  some  of  these  addresses  and  from  notices 
of  him  in  the  press.  Many  of  the  addresses  referred 
to  historical  events,  which  have  already  been  em- 
bodied in  this  narrative. 

Rev.  B.  S.  MacLafferty,  president  of  the  Ministerial 
Alliance  of  Tacoma,  spoke  of  the  punctuality  of  Dr. 
Eells,  as  especially  illustrated  in  his  attendance  on 
the  meetings  of  the  Alliance. 

Dr.  F.  B.  Cherrington  said  that  a  hero  was  one  who 
had  had  an  opportunity  and  had  been  equal  to  it. 
Dr.  Eells  had  had  an  opportunity  and    improved  it. 

Rev.  L.  H.  Hallock  said  :  "At  the  dawn  of  his 
eighty-third  birthday  was  translated  from  earth  to 
heaven  Dr.  Cushing  Eells,  one  of  God's  noblemen ; 
pioneer  missionary,  friend  of  humanity,  founder  of 
Whitman  College,  and,  judged  by  the  test  of  long, 
unwearied  service,  entitled  as  much  as  any  man  to  the 
Master's  greeting,    '  Well  done,   good    and   faithful 


,ii 


.  \' 


'A 
if 


i.'   t 


292 


FATHER  EELL8. 


'     /  ! 


m 


r-5 
IP', , 


1 1 


servant :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  tliy  Lord  ! '  Good 
Father  Eells  died  with  the  respect  of  all  who  knew 
him.  He  died  in  peace  to  meet  the  reward  of  an 
honored  and  faithful  servant.  If  he  had  sought 
money,  he  had  ample  means  for  making  it  and  abun- 
dant financial  ability  to  amass  it ;  but  he  sought  a 
higher  end  than  wealth  and  won  it.  His  work  has 
never  been  heralded ;  hardly  has  it  been  known  save 
by  a  few  ;  but  it  will  be  revealed  and  crowned.  Fel- 
low citizens  of  many  faiths,  who  do  him  homage 
to-day,  the  burden  of  his  life  was  to  save  men,  to 
save  Washington  for  God.  Promote  his  work  by  the 
gift  of  your  soul  to  God,  your  state  to  righteousness." 

Rev.  T.  Sims  thus  spoke:  "Dr.  Eells  was  truly 
an  apostolic  man.  Taking  him  all  in  all  he  was,  I 
think,  the  most  Christlike  man  I  have  known.  As  I 
speak  these  impromptu  words,  my  mind  reverts  to 
three  features  in  our  departed  friend's  character  in 
which  he  reflected  Christ  in  an  eminent  degree. 

"  The  first  of  these  features  was  his  modesty.  He 
did  not  strive  nor  cry,  neither  was  his  voice  heard  in 
the  streets.  Ostentation  or  pretension  of  any  kind 
was  wholly  foreign  to  him.  After  a  long  career  of 
phenomenal  usefulness  and  achievement,  he  always 
spoke  with  rare  modesty  of  what  he  had  done.  In 
ministerial  gatherings  he  steadily  deferred  to  his 
younger  brethren,  contenting  himself   with   very  few 


LAST  DAYS. 


293 


jood 


knew 
•f  au 
jught 
[ibuu- 

k  has 

I  save 

Fel- 


omage 


words  and  often  prefacing  them  with  some  self- 
depreciating  remark.  The  seat  he  chose  was  sure  to 
be  a  lowly  one,  unless  watciiful  friends  insisted  on  his 
'  coming  up  higher.'  Indeed  his  whole  demeanor  was 
impressive  by  reason  of  its  simple  modesty.  His  only 
counterpart  in  this,  so  far  as  my  personal  knowledge 
extends,  is  the  noted  principal  of  Knox  College, 
Toronto.  Dr.  Eells  and  Dr.  Caven  I  rank  together 
as  tiie  two  most  beautifully  modest  great  men  it  has 
been  my  privilege  to  know. 

••'A  second  feature  in  which  he  largely  retlected 
Christ  was  his  love  for  service.  He  was  preeminently 
a  servant  of  his  generation.  How  this  was  mani- 
fested in  his  long  career  as  a  missionary,  as  a  finan- 
cial manager,  and  as  a  piiilanthropist  has  been  dwelt 
upon  already,  and  I  need  not  repeat  the  story.  Very 
impressive  to  me  has  it  been  to  observe  this  spirit 
dominating  the  man  in  the  smallest  details.  He 
offered  himself  as  a  missionary  to  the  Indians  in  the 
enthusiasm  of  his  youth  because  he  had  definitely 
chosen  to  be  a  servant  to  others,  and  that  first  choice 
grew  into  an  ingrained  habit  of  life.  It  was  the  sanie 
in  small  things  as  in  great ;  the  same  in  the  weakness 
of  a<;e  as  in  the  ardor  of  youth  and  the  vigor  of  his 
brilliant  i)rime  ;  the  same  in  the  family  circle  as  in  the 
eye  of  the  gazing  world. 

"  There  was  a  most  Christlike  submission  to  the  will 


0  '' 


1.'.' 


^!:::. 


I 'I 


'I 


tlJ 


m:l 


294 


FATIIEli  EELL8. 


of  God.  '  Well,  God's  will  be  doiie,'  was  a  very  con- 
stant formula  on  bis  lips  because  it  expressed  the 
constant  attitude  of  his  soul.  lie  was  a  servant  of 
his  *  generation  acconlimj  to  the  will  of  God.'  He  went 
and  came,  he  spoke  or  was  silent,  he  desired  to  live 
longer  or  depart  at  once,  as  it  might  please  the  Lord. 
He  was  very  sure  that  God  had  a  will  concerniug  him 
and  he  was  profoundly  desirous  that  the  divine  pur- 
pose should  be  accomplished  in  him  and  by  him. 

"  And  surely  that  purpose  was  accomplished.  It 
hardly  seems  as  if  his  eighty-three  years  of  life  could 
have  been  spent  to  better  purpose.  He  probably 
filled  up  the  measure  of  his  opportunity  as  fully  as 
could  be  done.  In  an  important  sphere  he  did  what 
was  possible  and  occupied  until  his  Master  said :  '  It 
is  enough !     Come  up  higher ! ' 


fh 


V:    i   ' 


i  .   . 


1 1 


?•  . 


Si>ii 


Life's  labor  done,  as  sinks  the  clay, 
Free  from  its  load  the  spirit  flies; 
Wliile  heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say: 
'  How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies  I ' " 

Rev.  "VV.  Nutting  testified  :  "  Truly  he  was  a  patron 
saint.  The  winds  might  blow  and  toss  him  about,  but 
his  purposes  were  so  clearly  defined  in  his  mind  that 
nothing  could  turn  him.  I  never  saw  a  man  with  such 
tenacity.  An  object  before  him,  he  would  reach  it,  if 
it  took   ten  years.     When   others  would   have  given 


Last  days. 


295 


whut 


patron 
lut,  but 
id  that 
Itli  such 
li  it,  if 
L  <riveu 


up  in  despair,  he  only  digged  the  harder.  He  knew 
no  such  word  as  fail  and  would  keep  pegging  away 
till  victory  crowned  his  efforts." 

Dr.  A.  J.  Anderson  said:  '*Dr.  Eells  asked  aid  for 
Whitman  College,  laying  the  case  before  me.  On  ask- 
ing him  what  he  could  do.  Dr.  Eells  replied  :  '  I  will 
pray  for  you  and  I  will  work  for  you."  True  to  his 
word  he  went  on  a  money-raising  tour,  going  as  far  as 
New  England.  Dr.  Eells  would  always  pray  and  had 
great  confidence  in  the  efficacy  of  prayer.  lie  not 
only  prayed  in  public  worship,  but  his  frame  of  mind 
was  such  that  he  prayed  at  all  times.  He  must  have 
had  close  communion  with  the  Supreme." 

Rev.  S.  Green  had  known  him  since  his  arrival  on 
this  coast  twenty  years  previous  and  had  always 
found  him  a  great  worker  for  the  Church  and  promoter 
of  Christianity. 

Rev.  J.  Edwards :  "He  lived  in  the  atmosphere  of 
heaven,  and  all  worldy  excitement,  the  wild  rush  after 
wealth,  had  no  influence  over  him.  His  great  ambi- 
tion was  to  prepare  for  himself  riches  in  heaven,  where 
moth  and  rust  doth  not  corrupt  nor  thieves  break 
through  and  steal.  How  contemptible  is  the  life  of 
the  selfish  worldling  as  compared  with  his!  I  have 
always  looked  upon  him  as  the  most  apostolic  charac- 
ter I  have  ever  known." 

Rev.  H.  P.  James:  "He  camped  under  the  stars 


296 


FATHER  EELLS. 


(■(r  ■ 


.» ;' 


with  no  other  arms  than  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  and 
the  Bible,  meeting  Hupposed  liontile  Indiatis,  whom  ho 
never  feared,  from  whom  lie  never  met  treachery.  lie 
did  not  seek  honor  from  men,  and  men  honored  liim. 
He  humbled  liimself,  and  men  have  exalted  him.  As 
his  pastor  said :  '  Pacific  University  gave  him  his 
degree  of  D.D.,  a  gratified  and  loving  constituency  of 
disciples  gave  him  his  higher  title  of  '*  Father,"  and 
God  has  given  him  his  crown.'  " 

The  Seattle  Post-Intelligencer:  "In  the  death  of 
Rev.  Gushing  Eells  the  Gongregational  churches  of 
Washington  lose  one  of  their  grandest  and  most  noble 
characters.  His  life  was  devoted  to  raising  the  moral 
standard  of  humanity.  He  was  a  man  who  practiced 
what  he  preached,  and,  in  the  words  of  a  pioneer, 
*  His  efforts  in  the  days  when  Washington  was  a  wil- 
derness have  contributed  largely  to  the  blessings  which 
the  present  people  enjoy.' " 

The  Tacoma  News:  "Dr.  Eells  stands  among  the 
clergy  of  the  northwest  as  a  man  who  was  altogether 
unique.  Of  course  he  can  leave  no  successor.  Till 
very  recently  the  degree  of  his  diligence  as  a  clergy- 
man had  known  little  abatement.  It  does  not  seem 
possible  that  any  man  could  have  labored  any  more 
abundantly  than  he.  Money,  as  a  means  of  minister- 
ing to  his  own  comfort,  he  has  despised.  In  ministra- 
tions to  others  he  has  loved  to  use  it." 


LAST  DA  YS, 


297 


,  and 
m  ho 
.    lie 
liim. 
.     As 
m   his 
ncy  of 
,"  and 

sath  of 

jhes  of 

it  noble 

2  moral 
acticed 
lioneer, 
a  wil- 
s  which 

)ng  the 
[ogethcr 
ir.     Till 
clergy- 
)t  seem 
|y  more 
linister- 
kinistra- 


Tho  Taoo!na  Ledi^or :  *' lie  wan  very  abstcmioiifi  in 
his  liabits.  Since  the  age  of  twenty-four  years  he 
has  used  neitiier  tea  nor  coffee,  and  was  unswerving  in 
his  crusade  against  the;  use  of  bquor." 

The  Oc(;idental  Congregationalist :  "  A  conipany  of 
our  legislators,  sitting  in  conunittce  at  Olympia,  de- 
bated whetlier  they  should  tax  church  property.  One 
of  them  asked  why  it  ought  to  be  favored.  He  was 
reminded  that  there  lay  not  many  miles  from  him  the 
mortal  remains  of  a  Christian  patriarch,  Father  Eells, 
of  venerable  memory,  through  whose  efforts  and  those 
of  his  colleague,  Marcus  Whitman,  this  very  state 
in  which  the  legislators  sat  had  been  saved  to  him 
and  to  America.  On  the  day  that  rounded  eighty- 
three  years  of  life,  Gushing  Eells  left  Washington  for 
another  home.  On  the  day  after  his  death,  a  legisla- 
tive committee  of  the  state  of  Washington,  who  owed 
their  property  and  their  Christian  nurture  to  him, 
determined  to  favor  the  churches  hecauae  of  his  work. 
And  if  ever  a  question  was  squarely  answered,  it  was 
answered  when  a  gentleman  from  Tacoma  instanced 
the  life  of  Cushing  Eells  as  the  reason  why  Washing- 
ton owes  something  to  the  Christian  missionary,  the 
Christian  Church,  and  the  Christian's  God. 

"  The  state  legislature  adjourned  out  of  respect  to 
the  memory  of  James  G.  Blaine,  but,  despite  the  bril- 
liancy of  Blaine's  talents,  the  state  ot  Washington  at 


W 


1 ,1 


I  :■ 


tt    '■ 


I  il,    1 ) 


'}.  . 


298 


FATllKli   KKLLS. 


loaflt  owcfl  more  to  the  liomc  iniHsioniiry  than  to  the 
Bttiteainuii.  And  when  before  tlie  Hovereij^n  of  the 
universe  Father  Eells  presents  liis  report  of  the  terri- 
tory which  Ijc  won  for  the  kinj^doni  of  heaven,  I  am 
sure  that  the  plumed  knight  will  not  show  a  better  record. 

"  Father  Fells  gave  himself  for  hi:}  country  even 
more  entirely  than  a  soldier  gives  himself.  He  was 
the  apostle  to  Washington." 

Deacon  G.  II.  Himes,  in  The  Pacific  :  "  Dr.  Fells  was 
one  of  the  happiest  of  men  and  always  full  of  good 
clieer,  even  amid  most  profound  dilliculties,  and  to 
those  who  were  privileged  to  attend  the  General  Ahho- 
ciations  in  either  Oregon  or  Washington  when  he  was 
present  —  and  he  rarely  missed  these  helpful  gather- 
ings—  his  presence  was  like  a  benediction.  The  su- 
preme moments  of  these  meetings  were  those  devoted 
to  home  missionary  reports  ;  and  at  such  a  time  tiie 
simple  and  unostentatious  narrative  by  Dr.  Fells  of 
his  experience  would  hold  the  congregations  almost 
spellbound." 

Rev.  L.  H.  Ilallock,  in  The  Boston  Congregationalist : 
••'Thus  passed  away  another  historic  character,  one  of 
God's  noblemen,  a  man  of  modest  demeanor,  inde- 
pendent, and  a  stranger  to  fear,  energetic,  beloved. 
Plfty-iive  years  of  unabated  fidelity  have  left  their 
lasting  mark  upon  the  religious  and  educational 
interests  of  Washington,  and  always  for  good. 


LAST  DAYS. 


299 


*'  Wliitmaii  ColU'«j;o  and  many  a  feoblc  clmrdi  and 
inanv  a  Christian  Indian  have  h)st  their  best  friend. 
Who  will  eoninieinorate  Fatlier  Kells  and  his  heroic 
service  by  an  endowment  of  Whitman  College,  conse- 
crated to  the  memory  and  work  of  two  noble  Chris- 
tian heroes,  —  '  an  Kells  professorshii)  in  Whitman 
College'?    Who?" 

Dr.  Lyman  Abbott,  in  The  Christian  Union  :  "A  man 
of  great  and  beautiful  character,  of  unsurpassed  con- 
secration, and  one  to  whom  the  republic  of  the  United 
States  owes  a  far  greater  debt  than  to  many  who  have 
occupied  a  far  more  conspicuous  place  in  history." 

Professor  L.  F.  Anderson,  of  Whitman  College : 
"  But  in  the  grief  what  an  abiding  joy  for  a  life  so 
enriched  from  on  high  !  Not  only  did  he  have  the  cordial 
approval  and  highest  regard  of  all  who  ever  met  him, 
but  every  one  with  whom  he  conversed  felt  deep  in  his 
heart  the  profound  goodness  and  sublime  faith  that 
animated  him.  I  believe  no  one  ever  left  his  side 
without  feeling  his  inner  nature  stirred  to  loftier  aspi- 
rations. And  may  his  life  and  death  be  an  inspiration 
to  all  of  us  who  follow." 

President  J.  T.  Eaton,  of  Whitman  College:  "No 
college  in  the  land  has  two  such  names  and  characters 
at  its  foundation  as  Whitman  College  —  Marcus  Whit- 
man, M.D.,  and  Cushing  Eells,  d.d." 

M.  E.   Strieby,  d.d.,  of  New  York,  secretary   of 


Ir 


300 


FATllEli  EELLS. 


W 


g;i 


Hf 


l! 


•     I 


M'l 


rir 


the  Aincricjin  Missionary  AHsociiition :  '*  You  must 
find  abundant  consolation  in  view  of  Ins  long  life  and 
his  valuable  and  incessant  lab(U"s  in  behalJ"  of  the  cause 
of  our  great  Master.  May  wc  be  faithful  and  follow 
him  as  did  your  falher." 

K.  K.  Strong,  i).i>.,  of  Boston,  editor  of  The  Mis- 
sionary Herald:  "  Ilis  earnestness  and  spirit  of  self- 
denial  were  remarkable.  Though  his  worktJ  do  follow 
him,  the  generations  yet  to  come  will  never  know  how 
much  he  accomplished  for  the  welfare  of  his  fellow- 
men" 

Mrs.  H.  8.  Caswell,  of  New  York,  editor  of  The 
Home  Missionary  :  ''  What  a  beautiful  going  home  it 
was! — really  a  translation.  What  a  glorious  legacy 
he  has  left  to  you,  his  children  !  " 

J.  E.  Roy,  i).i>.,  of  Chicago,  district  secretary  of 
the  American  Missionary  Association  :  "  What  a  glori- 
ous era  he  has  had  to  live  in,  and  what  «  glorious 
iiistory  he  has  helped  to  make  in  that  country!  In  no 
eastern  pastorate  could  he  have  made  his  influence  so 
signally  felt  as  in  his  home  missionary  sphere." 

Professor  W.  1).  Lyman,  of  Whitman  College : 
*'Amid  the  selfishness  and  narrow-mindedness  and 
cold-hcartedness  which  surround  us,  it  gives  one  more 
faith  in  God  and  man  and  progress  to  see  such  a  con- 
sistent life  of  steadfast  Christian  efifort." 

Miss   Sarah  I.  Lyman,  in  The  Pacific :  *'  Memory 


LAf^T  DAYS. 


301 


I 


nust 

)llow 

Mis- 

sclf- 

oUow 

kr  how 

ullow- 

if  The 
Dine  it 
legacy 


ary 


of 


glori- 


lonous 

III  uo 

[nee  so 

)llcge : 
ts   unci 
more 
la  con- 

tcmory 


takes  me  back  to  the  years  of  luy  childhood.  One  of 
tile  first  persons  !q)pearing  tliere,  vvitli  a  sort  of  lialo 
around  Iier  liead,  as  of  one  of  tlie  old  Madonnas,  is 
that  lovely  woman,  Mrs.  Kclls.  She  was  niv  first 
Sunday-school  teacher,  and  many  happy  hours  have 
I  passed  in  the  (piiet  little  library  of  their  iiome  in 
Forest  Grove,  sitting  on  the  lloor  over  a  pile  of 
Youtii's  Companions,  reading  f;)r  hours  at  a  time,  and 
nibbling  such  delightful  doughnuts  (I  nev(!r  tasted  any 
except  my  mother's  (piite  so  good).  Dear  old  lady, 
how  I  loved  her  !  and  well  1  might,  for  if  ever  there 
was  a  saint  on  earth  she  was  one. 

*'I)r.  lOells  was  a  fine  example  of  physical  strength 
and  of  the  correctness  of  th«'  [uinciple  of  total  absti- 
nence not  alone  from  liquor  and  tobacco,  but  also  tea, 
coffee,  cake,  and  other  dainties,  lie  performed  an 
amount  of  labor  that  most  men  could  not  endure.  As 
has  been  well  said,  his  business  was  to  preach  the 
gos})el,  and  live  it  as  well.  Infidels  not  only  respected 
him,  but  many  were  converted  through  not  alone  his 
words,  but  his  life.  I  once  heard  a  lady  in  speaking 
of  him  (piote  this  text :  '  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed, 
in  whom  is  no  guile  ! ' 

"Well  and  nol.iv  did  he  and  his  wife,  and  other 
men  and  women  who  came  to  this  coast  in  an  early 
day,  not  to  make  money,  but  to  do  g«)od,  do  then* 
work.     The  soil  of  Oregon  and  Washington  and  Culi- 


i] 


V- 


m 


I' 


302 


FATllEU  KKLLS. 


foriiin  liJiM  Ikhmi  coiihihtmUmI  l)y  tlicir  IitjkI.  'IMioy  arc 
iioarly  sill  jjijone  now  to  (lie  shiiiinji;  io:ilms  sihovc, 
>vlicro  lenrs  :uv  sill  wasliod  suvjiy,  jhhI  '  iicitlicr  sliuil 
the  sun  li^ht  on  Ihoni,  nor  niiy  heat.*" 

A.  II.  IJruilford,  d.d.,  of  Montchiir,  M.  ♦!.,  who 
MHsistod  in  oroMni/inji;  (ho  chnrt'h  nt  Skokotnish 
in  IS71,  in  an  McKlrcs.s  before  the  AnuM'ican  Ilonu; 
IMirtsionary  Society  in  1881,  said  :  "  '  What  kind  of  men 
do  they  iiave  ont  there?'  Men  like  Father  Kells,  who 
has  traversed  those  forests  nntil  all  the  Indians  know 
hin),  and  all  tiie  settlers  know  h'ni,  and  all  the  l)ears 
and  {'ontiars  know  him,  for  thoni;h  h»i  always  travels 
unarmed,  he  always  travels  unharmed  —  a  man  w'-n 
will  travel  on  luM'sebaek  all  day  to  read  the  IJible  aiu: 
pray  with  a  siuLile  family." 

E.  li.  Parsons,  secretary  of  the  faculty  of  Williams 
Collesie,  to  Kdmund  Seymour,  of  'J'acoma :  "  In  behalf 
of  Willianis  College  let  me  express  to  you  and  the 
many  friends  of  Kev.  Dr.  Cushing  Eells  our  profound 
sense  of  loss  in  the  death  of  this  heroic  son  of  the 
college  and  our  great  admiration  for  those  (jualities 
of  far-sig'ited  entiiusiasm  and  painstaking  zeal,  by 
which  his  life  and  services  have  brought  helpfulness 
to  the  nation  and  to  hunuiuity,  and  honor  to  the 
college." 

Hartford  Seminarv  Record:  '* To-day  the  onlv  living 
graduate  of  the  class  of  1837  is  G.  W.  Bassett,  Dr. 


% 


,t 


LAIST  DAYS. 


303 


uy  arc 
ibt)vc, 
•  shall 

.,  who 
voinish 

Home 
of  men 
Is,  who 
s  know 
10,  luMiis 

triivclH 
tui  w'«^ 
ible  suiv: 

^^illiiims 
II  ln'hiiir 
luul   the 
•of  on  ml 
of  the 
lintilities 
teal,  by 
Dfnlness 
to   tuo 

Iv  livini^ 
)tt.  Dr. 


Ki'll.s'  clu.s.sniatc  in  t'oll('}j;o  timl  Hcminary,  l)nt  two  years 
his  jnnior.  No  member  of  an  earber  chiss  now  lives, 
and  only  one  jiiradnate  of  tin;  seminary  is  of  greater 
aj;e  than  was  Dr.  Im'IIs  at  the  time  of  h.is  dcadi. 

''He  exemplilied  in  spirit  and  in  i\{.\vi\  the  purposes 
and  pei'formanees  of  the  early  settlers  of  New  Kn}j;land. 
It  is  true  of  him  to  a  degree  impossible!  in  the  chanjijed 
civilization  of  the  close!  of  the  nincituenth  centuiy.  Tlu! 
stedfast  conra«^e  which  ftiared  no  unknown  dan<^(!r 
and  shunned  none,  the  loving  desire;  to  bring  tlu! 
heathen  red  man  to  Christ,  the  attempt  made,  with 
the  resultant  building  of  the  foundations  of  a  wliite 
civilization,  the  strong  national  fee^ling  and  sound 
politic. d  sagacity,  the  love  of  learning  and  the  belief 
ill  education,  the;  toil  for  thi!  college!  side!  by  siele  witii 
the  labor  in  the!  church,  the  pre)founel  trust  in  (le>d  anel 
in  his  pur[)oses  for  this  land,  the  cntir,'  relian(!e  at  all 
turns  of  perse)nal  fe)rtune  e^n  the!  Divine!  IMovidence, 
the  readiness  for  labe)r  of  any  sort,  the  utter  simplicity 
of  character,  and  the  almost  limitless  capa(!ity  for 
joyful  self-denial  for  the  achie've;ment  e>f  vve)rk  believeel 
to  be  (Jod-ai)pointeel  —  these  are  traits  which  we  have 
come  to  ace"e[)t  as  typical  of  the!  settleMs  of  Ne!w  Kng- 
'and,  anel  which  were  embodie'el  in  iiim.  They  we're 
traits  which  fe)unel  the  lie-ld  fe)r  their  manifiistation 
amid  what  seemed  te)  be  svve'r.tee'ntii-century  coneli- 
tions.     The   darknes"    of   the    untre)dden    wejods,   the 


i 


w 


304 


FATIIEli  EELL8. 


m  ■ 


m 


starlit  bivouac,  the  weary  watchfulness  for  hostile 
savages,  the  rough  log  house,  the  Indian  massacre, 
the  flight,  and  the  piivations  from  cold  and  hunger,  the 
courageous  return  —  these  incidents  of  the  pioneer  life 
of  Dr.  Kells  belong  to  another  generation  than  ours. 
They  seem  to  link  him  who  experienced  them  more 
closely  with  the  Mayflower  than  with  the  life  of  our 
day.  If  we  feel  inclined  to  ask  what  sort  of  a  man 
the  Puritan  would  be  in  the  nineteenth  century,  the 
answer  stands  ready  in  Gushing  Eells. 

"  Small  men,  it  is  said,  petrify  ;  great  men  ripen 
with  age.     ^  '  lis  ripened.     His  was  a  hard  life,  a 

sacrificial  life.  ...e  lost  his  life  for  Christ's  sake  ;  but 
in  so  doing  he  found  it." 

Again  :  "  Many  a  church  in  the  great  northwest  has 
to-day  in  its  spire  a  bell  that  Gushing  Eells  presented 
to  it,  and  many  a  weary,  burdened  home  missionary 
has  in  some  special  time  of  need  received  financial  aid 
from  this  man,  who  counted  it  '  more  bless jd  to  give 
than  to  receive,'  and  who  often  accompanied  his  gifts 
with  only  a  sentence,  frequently  the  words,  'Bear  yo 
one  another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfill  the  law  of  Christ.'  " 

Resolutions  adopted  by  the  faculty  of  Tualitin 
Academy  and  Pacific  University  at  Forest  Grove, 
March  11,  1893,  to  wit : — 

"  Wliereas^  In  the  providence  of  God,  Rev.  Gushing 
Eells,  D.D.,  has  closed  a  long  and  useful  life  ;  and 


Hi 


LAST  DAYS. 


305 


gifts 
jar  yc 
rist. 

lalitin 
■>iove, 


ishing 


"  Whereas^  He  has  had  by  his  former  connection 
with  this  school  as  a  teacher  and  by  his  vahiable  gifts 
to  the  institution  an  important  relation  to  Tualitiu 
Academy  and  Pacific  University ; 

^'•liesolved,  by  the  faculty  thereof,  That  we  feel  it 
a  duty  and  privilege  to  express  our  high  esteem  for 
his  consistent  and  earnest  Christian  character,  and 
our  grateful  appreciation  of  his  generous  and  self- 
denying  efforts  in  behalf  of  Christian  education,  both 
here  and  elsewhere,  by  gifts  and  personal  labors. 

''  That  we  believe  that,  so  long  as  such  fathers  of 
enlightened  patriotism  and  of  practical  piety  shall  be 
found  to  represent  ou"  churches  and  to  join  in  their 
mission  to  elevate  humauity,  Christianity  will  neither 
be  nor  be  called  a  failure. 

**  That  we  confidently  believe  that  his  life  of  trust 
and  obedience  is  transformed  to  one  of  higher  power 
and  joy  and  peace,  and  that  the  circle  who  have 
through  his  instrumentality  been  made  savingly  ac- 
quainted with  the  gospel  are  to  him  a  crown  of  rejoicing 
in  the  presence  of  his  God." 

Resolutions  by  the  Congregational  church  of  Walla 
Walla  and  Whitman  College,  to  wit :  — 

**  Wliereas,  It  was  the  will  of  Almighty  God,  our 
heavenly  Father,  to  take  unto  himself  our  godly 
father  on  his  eighty-third  birthday.  Key.  Cushins; 
Eells,  D.D. ; 


1^ 


p'- 


3U6 


FATIIEli  EELLS, 


»'  ? 


'''•Resolved^  That  we  express  our  high  regard  and 
respect  for  the  humble  aud  consistent  Christian,  the 
pioneer  aud  venerable  missionary,  whose  life  was  a 
blessing  to  the  world.  Though  recognizing  that  he 
came  to  '  his  grave  in  a  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn 
Cometh  in  in  his  season,'  and  that  he  '  fought  a  good 
fight,  and  finished  his  course,  and  kept  the  faith,'  and 
that  he  is  gone  to  receive  '  the  crown  of  righteousness 
prepared  for  him,'  yet  we  mourn  our  loss  in  his 
decease. 

"  He  was  truly  a  man  of  God,  ever  enjoying  com- 
munion with  him,  and  his  conversation  was  in  heaven, 
and  his  purpose  was  to  serve  God  and  benefit  his 
fellow  men.  He  walked  the  earth  doing  good.  All 
classes  of  men,  Jews,  Roman  Catholics,  and  infidels, 
as  well  as  Protestants,  regarded  him  as  '  the  noblest 
work  of  God,  an  honest  man.' 

"  Though  modest  and  unassuming,  by  the  thorough 
consecration  of  himself  to  the  service  of  his  Master 
he  accomplished  a  more  enduring  work  than  many 
who  have  occupied  more  conspicuous  places.  By  his 
exemplary  Christian  life  he  has  been  a  constant  testi- 
mony and  unanswerable  argument  in  favor  of  the 
elflcacy  and  power  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ. 
For  such  a  life,  so  self-denying  and  devoted  to  the 
highest  purposes,  we  all  have  reason  to  thank  God, 
and  you  can  justly  feel  proud  and  deem  it  a  goodly 


LAST  DAYS. 


307 


heritage   to   be   the   sons   and   daughters   of    sucli   a 
noble  man. 

'*  You  have  our  deepest  sympathy  in  your  bereave- 
ment. We  know  you  do  not  weep  as  those  who  have 
no  hope,  but  find  real  consolation  in  the  divine  prom- 
ises, knowing  that,  to  him  who  lived  for  Christ,  to  die 
was  gain." 

Resolutions  by  the  Tacoma  Ministerial  Alliance, 
namely :  — 

"  Whereas.,  In  the  wise  providence  of  God,  we  have 
been  called  to  part  with  our  revered  and  beloved 
father  in  Christ,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cushing  Eells,  who  died 
February  16,  1893,  aged  eighty-three  years; 

^^ Resolved,  That  in  the  early  years  of  perilous  work 
among  the  Indians  he  proved  himself  their  heroic 
friend  and  fully  equal  to  the  great  opportunity  which 
God  opened  unto  him  as  to  few  men  ;  that  in  his 
great  work  for  education  in  the  northwest,  notably  in 
founding  and  maintaining  almost  at  his  own  expense 
and  exertion  that  noble  monument  unto  him  whose 
name  it  bears.  Whitman  College,  Father  Eells  ren- 
dered a  permanent  service  to  tlic  state  of  Washington, 
which  will  enhance  as  years  roll  on ;  and  that  by  his 
later  work  in  founding,  organizing,  and  aiding  in  the 
support  of  churches  in  our  state  he  has  supplemented 
a  full  life  work  of  threescore  and  ten  years  by  a  last 
chapter  of  exceeding  value   to   tlie   cause   of  Christ, 


y 


i|i 


f  ,    5 


308 


FATIlETi  EKLLS. 


and  over  many  of  such  churches  his  Sabbath  bells 
will  continue  to  ring  out  his  honored  memory  alonj^ 
witii  their  calls  to  the  worship  of  God. 

''^liesolved,  That  we  express  to  the  races  he  served, 
the  colleges  he  builded,  the  churches  he  aided,  the 
family  he  honored,  and  the  city  he  ndopted,  our  cordial 
sympathy  in  their  loss,  and  together  with  them  we 
express  our  unfading  tribute  of  personal  affection  and 
esteem  for  our  translated  friend  — Father  Eells." 

Resolutions  by  the  Tacoma  Congregational  Associa- 
tion, also  adopted  by  the  General  Association  of 
Washington :  — 

"  Wicreas,  In  the  providence  of  God,  our  most 
venerated  and  beloved  father.  Rev.  Gushing  Eells, 
D.D.,  honored  of  God  as  few  men  have  been  and 
spared  to  the  good  old  age  of  eighty-three  years,  has 
been  promoted  to  the  higher  field  of  service  in  the 
Master's  kingdom ; 

*'  Therefore  the  Tacoma  Association  of  Congrega- 
tional Churches  and  Ministers,  in  session  at  the 
Atkinson  Memorial  Church,  hereby  record  their  deep 
and  sincere  appreciation  of  the  rare  unselfishness, 
the  modest.  Christlike  spirit,  and  the  long  and  varied 
usefulness  of  this  man  of  God.  As  pioneer  mission- 
ary, as  educator  of  youth,  as  friend  and  preacher 
to  the  Indians,  as  pastor  and  benefactor  of  many 
churches,  and  last  but  not  least  as  founder  of  Whit- 


LAST  DAYS. 


th   bells 
y  alon^ 

served, 
led,  the 
•  cordial 
liem  we 
tion  and 

\ssocia- 
tion    of 


301) 


*'  We  have  lost  a  father  hnf  n^  i  i 
P'omise,  „o^  delights  ,o  l.onor  ^  '^  '' 

•^        ^'^*  ^"'  thnstiaii  sympathy." 


a 


of 


ed 


IS 


ir  most 
r  Eells, 
icn  and 
ars,  has 
in    the 


i     ! 


mj^rega- 
at  the 
Mr  deep 
ishness, 
I  varied 
nission- 
)reacher 
f  many 
f  Whit- 


I 


Pi  , 

P.-   ! 


:      Ji 


CHAPTETl  XTT. 


CIIAUACTKKISTICS. 


ni 


GUSHING  EELLS  was  a  true  pioneer.  Some- 
limes  a  slur  is  cast  on  eastern  men  when  they 
come  west  that  they  cannot  do  as  well  as  western 
men.  Dr.  Eells  came  from  the  far  east  to  the  far 
west  and  succeeded  fairly  well.  At  his  death  he  was 
the  oldest  pioneer  in  Washington.  The  only  time  he 
ever  attended  the  annual  reunion  of  the  pioneers  of 
Oregon,  June  15,   1880,  he  was  in  the  front  rank. 

His  company  included  the  first  Congregational  min- 
isters to  come  to  Oregon.^  None  came  before  the  trio 
composed  of  himself  and  Messrs.  Walker  and  Smith. 
He  was  also  a  member  of  the  first  Presbyterian 
cliurcii  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  having  joined 


IK     i! 


'  In  issr)  Uic  CongregaUonalists  of  Oregon  and  Washington  celebrated 
their  jubilee  at  Forest  Grove,  that  being  fifty  years  from  the  time 
llev.  S.  I'arker  came  to  the  coast.  Mr.  Parker  was  ordained  a  Congi*e- 
galionalist,  ami  a  letter  from  his  son  to  the  author  Btated  that  he 
believed  that  he  continued  so.  A  much  later  letter  stated  that  further 
investigation  showed  that  on  account  of  certain  Christian  work  in 
which  Mr.  I'arker  was  engaged  in  New  York  it  became  necessary  for 
him  to  join  the  presbytery  before  he  came  to  Oregon ;  so  the  celebra- 
tion was  three  years  too  soon. 

310 


?1 


CHAR  A  C  T  Eli  IS  TICS. 


311 


Sonie- 
111  they 
YGsteru 
the  far 

be  was 
time  be 
icers  of 
rank. 

al  niin- 

tbe  trio 
Smith. 

yteriau 
joined 


iclebratcd 
the  time 

Congre- 

thJit  he 
^t  further 

work  in 
^ssary  for 

celebra- 


it  September  2,  1H38,  twenty  days  after  it  was  orj^an- 
ized.  Tbnt  was  the  mission  church,  Presbyterian  iu 
name,  Init  Congregational  in  practice  as  long  as  it 
wus  the  mission  church  of  the  American  Hoard, 
Afterward,  when  Mr.  Spalding,  its  pastor,  returned  to 
his  work  among  the  Nez  l*erces,  it  was  transferred  to 
that  place,  became  thoroughly  Presbyterian,  and  cele- 
brated its  jubilee  August  13,  1888.  Dr.  Eells  was 
requested  to  represent  the  American  IJoard  at  that 
time,  but  could  not  well  do  so,  and  his  sou  took  his 
place. 

It  has  also  been  noted  in  this  biography  that  he 
assisted  in  organizing  the  first  Congregational  church 
east  of  the  Cascade  Mountains,  at  The  Dalles.  With 
his  wife  and  older  son  he  was  among  the  seven  original 
members  of  the  first  Congregational  church  in  the 
state  of  Washington,  at  Walla  Walla.  He  organ- 
ized the  first  Congregational  church  north  of  Snake 
River  and  east  of  the  Columbia  at  Colfax,  delivered 
the  first  Fourth  of  July  address  at  the  Walla  Walla 
valley,  and  also  in  the  Colville  valley,  and  preached 
the  first  Protestant  sermon  in  Walla  Walla. 

In  1848-49  he  taught  in  the  Oregon  Institute,  now 
Willamette  University,  the  oldest  college  on  the 
Pacific  coast,  which  dates  its  origin  back  tc  March  15, 
1842,  though  not  legally  chartered  as  a  college  until 
January,  1853.     Again  he  taught  in  Tualitin  Academy 


!    1 


(1 


312 


FATJlh'Ji   J'JI'JLLS. 


ill  1841),  five  months  before  tlie  charter  was  granted 
even  for  tlie  academy,  which  was  September  26, 
1849.  and  tliis  was  five  years  before  tlic  college 
charter  was  granted.  He  also  taught  in  Whitman 
Seminary,  the  first  collegiate  institution  east  of  the 
Cascade  Mountains,  six  months  after  its  first  building 
was  dedicated. 

When  these  events,  together  with  his  almost  daily 
work  of  pioneer  travel  and  Christian  labor,  on  horse- 
back, in  the  forest  and  on  the  prairie,  by  day  and 
night,  are  taken  into  consideration,  it  is  not  strange 
that  at  the  National  Congregational  Council  in  1883 
he  received  the  name  of  "John  the  Baptist  of  the 
Home  Missionary  Society." 

He  had  a  remarkable  memory.  In  the  Whitman 
controversy  lion.  Elwood  P^vans  took  a  position  decid 
cdly  opposed  to  that  of  Dr.  Eells.  The  point  und 
discussion  was  a  meeting  of  the  Oregon  mission  held 
in  September,  1842.  Mr.  Evans  said  to  Dr.  Eells 
afterward  :  "  I  did  not  impeacli  your  truthfulness.  I 
only  impeached  your  memory."  Mr.  Evans,  how- 
ever, found  himself  mistaken,  for  the  journal  of  Rev. 
E.  Walker  was  found  and  showed  that  Dr.  Eells' 
recollection  was  correct,  although  the  event  had 
occurred  more  than  forty  years  previous. 

After  Dr.  PLells  had  resigned  his  last  pastorate 
in    1888,   having    more    leisure  than    usual  he   was 


"l\ 


en  AHA  a  teuis  tics. 


313 


abkod  to  write  out  hoiiu;  of  his  reiuiuiHcciices.  As  he 
had  passed  througli  two  fires  Jind  many  removals, 
iiwiiiy  of  his  early  papers  and  journals  had  been  h>st. 
He  had  to  depend  considerably  on  his  memory.  Yet 
it  was  quite  easy  to  remember  very  many  of  the  par- 
ticulars in  regard  to  transactions  long  years  previous. 

Professor  W.  D.  Lyman  says:  "lie  had  some 
remarkable  gifts.  One  was  an  extraordinary  memory. 
I  never  knew  one  whose  memory  was  both  so  acciu'ate 
and  so  retentive.  I  met  him  in  Colfax  live  or  six 
years  ago,  and  remarking  to  him  that  I  had  not  heard 
him  speak  for  a  dozen  years  or  so,  and  naming  the 
occasion,  he  said  :  '  And  do  you  remember  the  text?' 
I  acknowledged  my  inability  to  do  so,  when  he  at 
once  repeated  it,  together  witli  various  minute  circum- 
stances." ^ 

Precision.  Rev.  W.  A.  Tenney,  of  Oakland,  Cal., 
pastor  of  Dr.  Eells  at  Forest  Grove  in  18G1,  says, 
after  speaking  of  published  notices  about  him  since 
his  death  :  "  What  I  have  always  regarded  as  his  most 
marked  trait  of  individuality  no  one  seems  to  have 
mentioned,  namely,  precision.  I  used  to  notice  it  in 
all  he  did.  In  singing,  his  time,  tune,  pauses,  and 
enunciation  were  as  exact  as  possible.  His  conversa- 
tion, addresses,  sermons,  and  prayers  were  always 
noticeably  accurate,  even  to  the  pronunciation  of 
1  Whitman  CoHegian,  March,  1893, 


^««^^ 


314 


FATIIEB  EELL8, 


every  word,  syllable,  and  letter  with  a  full  and  correct 
sound.  His  use  of  words  and  structure  of  sentences 
were  according  to  rule,  with  perhaps  more  of  the 
Latin  element  in  language  than  is  common  to-day. 
His  arrangement  of  ideas  and  material  of  discourse 
was  always  extremely  methodical.  His  correspond- 
ence bore  the  trait  —  clear  and  exact  form  of  letters, 
punctuation,  and  neatness.  If  I  recollect,  his  home, 
bis  yard,  his  stable,  fences,  and  even  his  attire, 
whether  on  Sunday  or  for  work  or  for  a  long 
journey  from  The  Dalles  to  Walhi  Walla  —  all  were  in 
perfect  order.  This  element  of  precision  existed  in  a 
more  marked  degree  and  to  a  more  general  extent  in 
Father  Eells  than  in  any  man  I  ever  knew." 

Economy.  When  Dr.  Eells  was  asked  by  Rev.  ^ . 
Edwards  how  it  was  that  he  had  been  able  to  con- 
tribute so  much  he  replied  :  "  Industry  ;  economy 
crowned  by  the  divine  blessing."  Brought  up  as  he 
was  on  the  rugged  hills  of  New  Ii^ngland,  in  his  early 
life  he  learned  habits  of  economy,  which  he  practiceu 
through  life,  and  which  gave  to  him  the  property  he 
was  able  to  give  away.    He  always  lived  economically. 

During  the  last  few  years  that  he  lived  in  the  Indian 
country  previous  to  1848,  the  expenses  of  himself 
and  family,  four  persons,  to  the  Missionary  Board 
were  less  than  a  hundred  dollars  a  year. 

When  he  taught  in  Whitman  Seminary,  he  boarded 


CHAIiACTEIilHTICS. 


315 


himself  in  the  building,  six  miles  from  home,  riding 
home  usujilly  about  twice  a  week  for  food  and  meals, 
except  when  invited  to  meals  by  friends.  When  he 
was  engaged  in  his  home  missionary  work  in  eastern 
Washington  he  usually  lived  in  much  the  same  way, 
having  his  own  house  and  cooking  his  own  food, 
except  when  friends  invited  him  to  share  their  hospi- 
tality. Sometimes  these  invitations  were  by  arrangc;- 
ments  once  a  day.  When  he  traveled  he  practiced  tiie 
same  economy,  much  preferring  whjii  lie  could  to  go 
with  his  own  horse,  and  carry  his  food  and  camp  out, 
than  to  travel  by  stage,  steamer,  or  cars  and  put  up  at 
hotels. 

In  1882  he  wrote  :  "  The  cost  of  my  food  is  trilling. 
In  the  estimation  of  some  mv  manner  of  living  mav 
be  regarded  as  ol)jectiouable.  But  if  locusts  and 
wild  honey  were  s*  'Ticient  for  a  distinguishably  great 
prophet,  perhaps  I  may  be  excused  if  I  can  comfort- 
ably save  money  to  relieve  suffering  sister  Julia." ' 
Yet  his  economv  was  solelv  for  himself.  To  others  he 
was  always  liberal. 

December  10,  1892,  he  wrote:  "I  am  permitted  to 
gather  refuse  material  for  firewood.  It  is  po8si])le 
that  in  the  estimation  of  most  such  work  is  degrading. 
The  word  of  God  and  the  calls  of  benevolence  encour- 
age me  in  so  doing." 

» See  page  237. 


i  i 


1/i 


316 


FATHER  EELL8. 


He  was  a  man  of  prayer.  Those  who  heard  his 
public  prayers  knew  that  he  had  learned  to  pray  in 
his  closet.  At  one  time,  when  he  was  living  in  the 
family  of  his  son,  Indian  Agent  Eells,  there  were  very 
severe  trials,  and  all  worked  hard  to  avoid  threatened 
danger.  It  was  avoided.  In  speaking  of  it  after- 
ward, his  daughter-in-law  said  that  she  had  had  more 
faith  in  grandpa's  prayers  than  in  all  the  work  of  the 
other  persons.  His  lack  of  ability  in  some  other 
respects  was  made  up  by  more  than  ordinary  power  in 
prayer.     It  was  the  secret  of  his  success. 

Mrs.  G.  R.  Andrus  says  that  at  one  time  Dr.  Eells 
came  to  their  house  at  Cheney  very  much  troubled. 
He  had  been  the  only  minister  in  northeastern  Wash- 
ington ;  he  had  seen  the  work  growing  and  had  asked 
for  help.  Rev.  F.  T.  Clark  had  been  sent,  and  Dr. 
Eells  had  anticipated  great  assistance  from  him ;  but 
he  did  not  do  as  was  expected.  The  churches  suf- 
fered, and  he  finally  left  the  ministry.  It  was  a  bitter 
disappointment  to  Dr.  Eells.  When  he  went  to  Dea- 
con Andrus'  house,  much  depressed  and  afraid  as  to 
what  the  results  would  be,  he  said  his  only  hope  was 
that  God  would  overrule  all  for  the  best ;  that  he  had 
spent  the  whole  night  in  prayer,  earnest,  wrestling 
prayer,  that  the  churches  might  be  delivered  from 
their  dilliculties.  While  he  talked,  tears  were  stream- 
ing from  his  eyes.     Mrs.  Andrus  adds  that  it  was  a 


CHAR  A  C  TEIilS  TICS, 


317 


common  thing  for  him  to  spend  hours  of  the  night  in 
wrestling  prayer  for  the  work. 

His  journal  of  June  19,  1888,  says  :  "  Without  effort 
I  am  considerably  occu[)icd  in  prayer."  "  Taking  hold 
of  God  in  prayer "  was  also  a  common  expression 
with  him  in  later  years,  originating  from  his  own 
experience. 

lie  was  a  man  of  benevolence.  When  he  was  con- 
verted, his  purse  was  converted.  He  preached  be- 
nevolence and  set  the  example.  When  he  left  the 
Indian  mission  in  1848,  he  determined  to  give  one 
tenth  of  his  income  to  the  Lord,  and  he  did  so,  how- 
ever hard  the  times  were,  and  however  difficult  he 
found  it  to  live.  As  far  back  as  1851  and  1852,  when 
he  had  an  income  of  little  more  than  six  hundred  dol- 
lars a  year,  he  gave  one  hundred  dollars  a  year  to 
support  the  gospel  in  his  neighborhood.  When  he 
began  to  work  for  Whitman  Seminary,  he  gave  so 
much  more  than  one  tenth  that  no  such  limit  was  heard 
of  after  that.  In  1872,  whti-  his  house  at  Walla 
Walla  was  burned,  he  asked  himself  what  God  meant 
by  it — whether  it  was  not  a  rebuke  to  him  for  trying 
to  lay  up  too  many  riches.  He  thought  he  might  have 
erred  in  this  respect,  and  so  then  he  determined  to  lay 
up  no  more,  but  to  give  away  all  of  his  income  except 
what  he  should  need  for  the  support  of  himself  anU 
wife;  and  they  lived  economically. 


318 


FATHER  EELLS. 


I 


if 


m''\i^.. 


Mrs.  I^ells  shared  the  spirit  of  her  husband  in 
regard  to  liberality.  Her  gift  to  Pacific  University 
has  already  been  mentioned.  When  she  died,  she 
gave  all  her  private  money  —  about  two  hundred  and 
seventy  dollars  —  to  the  American  Board,  the  Ameri- 
can Home  Missionary  Society,  and  the  American  Mis- 
sionary Association. 

When  Rev.  E.  W.  Allen,  of  Dayton,  Wash.,  was 
burned  out.  Dr.  Eells  sent  him  a  letter  of  cheering 
sympathy  and  enclosed  fifty  dollars.  When  young  he 
had  heard  of  two  kinds  of  sympathy.  One  was  that 
manifested  on  a  somewhat  similar  occasion,  when  one 
man  said  to  another  who  had  lost  considerable,  "I  feel 
for  you,"  and  that  was  all.  Another  man  said,  "  1  feel 
for  you  ;  I  feel  for  you  so  much,"  and  gave  the  sufferer 
live  dollars.  Dr.  Eells  preferred  the  latter  —  to  show 
his  faith  by  his  works.  He  felt  in  the  same  way 
for  Christian  education,  the  missionary  cause,  poor 
churches,  and  similar  work. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  benevolences  of  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Eells  so  far  as  ascertainable  :  — 


To  Whitman  College       

„  The  Aiiierieau  Education  Society    .    . 

„  The  American  Board 

„  Congregational  Church  at  Forest  Grove 
„  „  „        „  Walla  Walla 

»>  >»  »        »>  Colfax        . 

„  .,  „       „  Dayton      . 


$10,000.00 
1,000.00 
2,500.00 
1,150.00 
860.00 
1,600.00 
1,058.10 


CHAR  A  C  T  Eli  IS  TICS. 


319 


in 
sity 

slio 

and 
Qcri- 
Mis- 

was 
ering 
ug  lie 
8  that 
jn  one 

I  feel 
4 1  feel 
uffercr 

sbow 

le  way 

poor 

)f  Dr. 


io,ooo.oo 

11,000.00 
12,500.00 
1 1,150.00 
860.00 
1 1,600.00 
1,058.10 


To  Congregational  Church  at  Cheney $1,109.75 

),              „                  „        „  Sprague 756.8r) 

ff              „                  „        ,,  Spokane 500:00 

ff              „                  „        „  Medical  Lake      ....  285.20 
})             ,,                 „       „  Tacoma  (Atkinson   Me- 
morial)    214.95 

„              „                  „        „  East  Tacoma      ....  211.00 

))              „                  M        „  Olympia 52.00 

I)              „                  „        „  Seattle        60.00 

if              ff                  „        „  Lone  Pine 50.00 

)t              „                  „        „  Chewelah       174.14 

„              „                  „        „  TTnion  City 50.00 

,,              „                  „        „  Tullman,  an  organ      .    .  47.50 

Mrs.  Eells'  Legacies 270.00 

„        „      Donation  to  Pacific  University         ....  *  500.00 

Miscellaneous 1,235.10 

Total        f24,C54.05 

To  this  should  also  be  added  his  legacy  to  Whitman 
College,  which  amounts  to  about  five  thousand  dollars. 

Included  among  these  gifts  was  a  bell  to  each  of  tlie 
following  churches,  he  paying  the  whole  cost  in  most 
eases,  though  perhaps  not  in  every  one :  Colfax,  Day- 
ton, Chewelah,  Spokane  First,  Cheney,  Medical  Lake, 
Sprague,  North  Tacoma,  and  East  Tacoma,  nine  in  all. 
*'Thus,"  says  Rev.  T.  W.  Walters,  "being  dead  he 
yet  speaketh  all  over  the  country." 

Rev.  J.  Edwards   said,  in  his  memorial  discourse : 


*Tlii8,  at  the   time  of  Dr.  Eells'  death,  had   increafled  so  that  It 
amouutcd  to  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  dolturs. 


III-  ;  I 


320 


FATHER  EELLS. 


**Was  he  not  the  most  generous  man  on  the  Pacific 
coast?  Is  there  any  other  one  who  has  contributed  as 
liberally,  according  to  his  means,  to  extend  Christ's 
kingdom  as  he?" 

The  Home  Missionary,  in  commenting  on  his  life 
work,  closes  with  these  words  :  "  Verily,  here  is  an  in- 
stance where  '  Love  does  not  measure  its  gifts,  but 
rejoices  to  give  all.'  "  ^ 

His  was  a  consistent  Christian  life.  He  was  not  per- 
fect. No  one  knew  this  better  than  himself.  He 
made  his  mistakes  and  had  his  besetting  sins  and 
prejudices,  but  still  he  was  respected  for  his  honest, 
sincere  life.  At  one  time,  as  he  went  to  the  polls  on 
election  day  in  Walla  Walla,  where  there  was  much 
wirepulling  to  secure  votes,  the  inspector  of  the  elec- 
tion, a  neighbor  of  his,  but  who  belonged  to  the  oppo- 
site party  from  Dr.  Eells,  said  when  he  saw  him  coming 
that  he  would  rather  attsmpt  to  influence  the  vote  of 
any  other  man  whom  he  knew  than  that  of  Dr.  Eells  ; 
and  he  said  it  with  sincerity. 

Sometimes  he  felt  as  if  his  life  had  almost  been  a 
failure.  In  1873  he  could  say  that  neither  in  the  min- 
istry, missionary  work,  nor  in  his  efforts  for  Whitman 
Seminary,  could  he  see  much  result  from  his  labors. 
The  last  twenty  years  of  his  life  gave  him  good  results 
in  all  these,  but  previous  to  that  time  he  often  felt 

'The  Home  Missionary,  Marcti,  1893,  page  559. 


CHAR  A  C  TEIilS  TICS. 


321 


icific 
2d  as 
rist's 

i  life 

an  in- 

3,  but 

Dt  per- 

>,     He 

QS  and 

honest, 

polls  on 

.s  much 

he  elec- 
e  oppo- 
coming 
vote  of 
.  Eells ; 

been  a 

the  min- 

'hitman 

labors. 

results 

[ten  felt 


discouraged.  An  intimate  friend,  an  associate  teaclier, 
said  of  him  that  he  ought  not  to  feel  so,  for  if  he  had 
accomplished  nothing  more  in  life  than  to  earn  his 
consistent  Christian  reputation,  his  life  was  a  success. 

Rev.  J.  Edwards  met  an  old  pioneer  in  the  Colville 
valle}',  who  was  very  skeptical  in  regard  to  Christianity, 
but  acknowledged  that  Father  Eells  was  a  real  Chris- 
tian, and  he  seemed  to  think  him  to  be  about  the  only 
good  man  in  the  world.  The  wife  of  this  man  said  : 
*'  Father  Eells  has  been  the  savior  of  my  family." 
This  man  was  especially  bitter  against  Indian  agents 
and  seemed  to  think  that  there  was  not  an  honest  one 
anywhere.  He  was  told  that  Dr.  Eells  had  a  son  who 
was  one,  and  this  astonished  him.  Although  he  was 
not  at  all  acquainted  with  Indian  Agent  Eells,  yet  so 
great  was  his  confidence  in  the  father  that  he  said : 
"I  believe  Father  Eells'  son  can  be  an  honest  Indian 
agent." 

He  loved  the  cause  of  Christian  education.  Many  of 
his  vacations,  while  in  college  and  the  theological 
seminary,  were  spent  in  teaching.  In  the  mission  he 
taught  the  Indian  school  his  share  of  the  time.  After 
he  left  the  mission  he  taught  twelve  and  a  half  years, 
actual  time,  also  serving  as  president  of  the  board  of 
trustees  of  Whitman  College  from  the  first,  in  1859, 
until  his  death  —  nearly  thirty-four  years.  He  also 
served  as  superintendent  of  schooL  a  year  or  two  in 


1  ! 


322 


FATJIKli  EIJLLS. 


?;< 


Ij 

HI  1  ft 

1 

Kin 

ifiji 

H    :.■  t 

1 

'  * 

f 

1 

i 

1 

Mt^ 

, 

ill    ^ 

1] 

f 

r  '  iii 

k6  )>  aHI 

iulU 

p 

1 

i:   5'fe 

1 

■in 

'j^n 

;!j|  ? 

'•'JH 

^1  j 

m 

11 

'-' 

fij 

U       1 

"ij  j'l  / 

4 

ii^t 

III 

1 

\w 

,  ^ 

jS  1     ' 

i 

1 

K  ^ 

R. 

^H* 

1      * 

■n  ; 

i.i 

AVtiUa  Walla  County,  and  in  Whitman  County  two 
years. 

He  loved  the  ministry.  Although  he  spent  many 
years  in  teaching,  it  was  not  because  he  felt  coldly 
toward  preaching,  but  because  for  a  time  Providence 
seemed  to  point  in  that  direction  ;  for  when  he  left  the 
Indian  work  he  could  see  no  other  better  way  by  which 
he  could  support  his  family.  When,  during  the  last 
eighteen  years  of  his  life,  he  found  more  time  than  he 
previously  had  done  to  study  the  Bible,  as  a  minister 
he  spoke  of  it  as  exhilarating  and  seeming  to  lift  him 
into  a  new  life.  When  over  seventy-five  j'cars  of  age, 
a  friend  advised  him  to  leave  eastern  Washington  and 
go  to  Pnget  Sound  and  rest  with  his  sons.  He  replied  : 
"Would  you  deprive  me  of  tire  glorious  privilege  of 
preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ?"  When  strong  in- 
ducements were  held  out  at  one  time  to  induce  his  son 
to  enter  other  work  than  that  of  the  ministry,  he  ex- 
pressed a  strong  desire  that  this  should  not  be  done. 

The  following  items  from  his  journal  bear  on  this 
point :  — 

"Jj'.nnary  19,  1877.  It  is  a  luxury  to  study  the 
Scriptures." 

"  December  23.  I  am  thankful  for  the  privilege  of 
preaching." 

"January  20,  1878.  To  acquire  and  impart  Bible 
knowledge  is  by  myself  esteemed  a  high  privilege." 


CUAllACTERISTICa. 


323 


'*  December  18.  I  am  buppy  in  the  work  of  ser- 
monizing." 

"  March  7,  1880.  I  believe  that  to  preach  the  glori- 
ous gospel  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
power  is  the  height  of  my  ambition." 

''  January  15,  1882.  I  have  been  much  exercised  in 
prayer.  I  have  a  strong  desire  for  length  of  days  and 
bestowal  of  strength  and  grace  so  that  1  may  perform 
large  service  for  Christ  and  his  church.  I  earnestly 
ask  to  be  favored  with  the  privilege  of  preaching  the 
glorious  gospel  with  power  and  success." 

'*  December  17,  1884.  I  am  grateful  even  for  a 
small  congregation." 

*'  March  31,  1889.  At  Prairieside  there  were  seven 
beside  myself.  Whether  the  smallness  of  the  number 
is  my  fault  I  cannot  say.  1  desire  to  be  grateful  for 
the  privilege  of  preaching  to  a  few." 

He  loved  missionary  work,  especially  that  among  the 
Indians.  He  once  said  at  Skokomish,  when  there  was 
talk  of  establishing  a  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for 
missions,  that  he  did  not  believe  a  church  would  long 
be  a  living  one  which  did  not  take  a  living  interest 
in  missions.  After  a  missionary  meeting  at  the  same 
place,  an  attendant  said  that  she  always  enjoyed  those 
meetings  fully  as  much  as  any  others  because  of  the 
earnestness  with  which  Dr.  Eells  threw  himself  into 
them.     Mrs.  Eells  said  many  times,  between  1853  and 


*.' 


324 


FATIIEll  EELLS, 


P 

If. 


mil. 


1860,  that  uotwithstauding  the  luauy  removals  they 
had  made,  and  whieh  to  her  were  great  undertakings, 
yet  she  was  willing  to  make  one  more  removal  if  it 
could  be  back  among  the  Indians.  As  long  as  they 
both  lived,  their  prayers  were  for  the  aborigines, 
especially  those  with  whom  they  had  labored  in  early 
life.  He  often  visited  the  Spokane  Indians  while  in 
eastern  Washington,  and  both  he  and  the  Indians 
enjoyed  tiie  visits.  He  was  also  greatly  interested  in 
the  work  of  his  sous  among  the  Indians  ou  Puget 
Bound.  He  carefully  revised  the  book  of  his  son  on 
"Indian  Missions  on  the  Pacilic  Coast,"  promising  to 
give  one  hundred  dollars  if  necessary  (though  it  did 
not  prove  to  be)  to  aid  in  its  publication,  and  said 
to  him  when  it  was  published  :  "If  you  had  given  me 
ten  thousand  dollars  I  could  not  have  been  better 
pleased  than  I  was  when  I  read  that  book,  especially 
the  fourth  chapter." 

Among  his  gifts  were  twent3'-five  hundred  dollars 
to  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions.  One  of  his  first  gifts  to  this  Board  was 
fifty  dollars  when  he  was  dismissed  from  their  service, 
and  it  was  given  as  an  offering  for  having  been  per- 
mitted to  labor  in  that  service.  For  about  the  last 
twenty-five  years  of  his  life  he  followed  the  plan  as 
nearly  as  he  could  of  annually  constituting,  by  the 
payment  of  a  hundred  dollars,  some  one  an  honorary 


CIIARACTEniSTICS. 


325 


member  of  the  Board.  Twenty-three  persons,  incUul- 
ing  nil  his  ehikheu  and  grandchildren,  four  of  the 
family  of  lion.  J.  A.  Perkins,  of  Colfax,  and  Mrs. 
Mary  R.  Walker,  were  thus  made  honorary  members. 

As  the  total  contributions  to  the  Board  (including  his 
own)  from  Washington  since  1857,  the  first  year  when 
any  donation  was  made  from  that  state,  to  Januaiy  1, 
1893,  have  been  $5,571.53,  and  those  from  Oregon 
since  1850,  when  the  first  donation  from  that  state 
was  made,  have  been  $7,494.11,  it  will  ])e  seen  that 
his  donations  have  been  nearlv  as  much  as  those  of 
all  ocijcr  persons  in  Washington.  But  as  his  dona- 
tions previous  to  1862  are  included  in  the  Oregon 
douatioiib,  his  have  been  nearly  one  fourth  of  the 
total  swia. 

Ue  uras  a  consecrated  man.  He  was  not  perfect. 
Ilis  journal  during  the  last  few  years  of  his  life  often 
speaks  of  his  mourning  for  sin.  Yet  the  giving  of 
his  money,  of  his  time,  —  especially  when  in  the  home 
missionary  work  when  he  almost  entirely  supported 
himself,  and  when  he  vrorked  for  Whitm;  n  College, 
es|)*H4ally  the  year  which  he  spent  for  it  m  the  east 
when  he  gave  his  time  and  paid  his  own  expenses,  — 
show  that  he  was  perhaps  as  nearly  thoroughly 
consecrated  to  Christ  as  any  one. 

Rev.  J.  Edwards  says :  *'  His  walk  with  God  made 
him   a   thoroughly   consecrated    Christian.     He    con- 


320 


FATHER  EELLS. 


sidcrcd  it  liia  reasontiblo  duty  to  present  his  whole 
being  u  lioly  and  accept{il)le  yacrifice  to  God.  lie  was 
reared  in  the  atmosphere  created  by  the  Nettleton 
revivals  in  New  P^ugland  in  the  early  part  of  this 
century.  The  preaching  heard  in  his  youth  empha- 
sized nia  I's  condition  by  nature  on  account  of  sin, 
his  al)solute  dependence  upon  Christ  for  salvation,  the 
necessity  of  regeneration  and  entire  surrender  to  God 
and  his  service.  The  Christian  life  was  made  a  spir- 
itual life  —  every  Christian  a  missionary'.  Those  great 
doctrines  took  hold  upon  him  and  molded  his  charac- 
ter. They  made  him  a  true  missionary,  so  that  noth- 
ing could  swerve  him  from  the  purpose  of  serving 
God  and  humanity.  He  considered  all  he  had  the 
Lord's.  It  was  his  close  walk  with  God  that  made 
his  life  such  a  grand  one.  He  walked  the  earth  doing 
good,  and  his  meat  and  drink  was  to  do  the  will  of  his 
Father  in  heaven.  In  him  we  have  a  wonderful  illus- 
tration of  the  possibilities  of  life  under  adverse  cir- 
cumstances if  governed  by  noble  purposes.  It  shows 
that  the  most  worthy,  honorable,  and  magnificent  life 
possible  on  earth  is  the  godly  one.  '  Enoch  walked 
with  God.'  That  brief  biography,  so  rich,  so  signifi- 
cant, and  comprehensive,  thoroughly  fits  Father  Eells. 
It  seems  to  express  the  very  genius  of  Father  Eells' 
life." 

Dr.  Eells  once  said :  *'  I  have  believed  the  Scripture 


ClIAltACTKRISTICS. 


327 


to  such  an  extent  that  everything  —  soul,  spirit,  body, 
purse,  house,  hiud,  horse,  buggy — was  laid  on  the 
altar  of  God." 

In  1874,  on  the  hist  day  before  reaching  Colfax  on 
his  way  from  Spokane,  he  rode  about  twenty-six  miles 
and  walked  thirteen.  When  he  was  descendinij  the 
canon  into  Colfax,  st'll  walking,  these  thoughts  were 
in  his  mind  :  "Is  it  not  a  little  strange  that  I  am 
walking  so  comfortably,  and  what  is  this  for?"  The 
reply  was:  '*To  please  my  Maker  and  to  subserve 
the  best  interests  of  my  fellows."  Those  thoughts 
suggested  a  Scripture  text:  "The  joy  of  the  Lord  is 
your  strength."  "  I  believe  that  is  the  solution  of  the 
great  labor  I  have  been  able  to  perform  without  weari- 
ness.    The  joy  of  the  Lord  has  been  my  strength." 

His  was  a  life  of  trial  and  faith,  Altiiough  much 
success  finally  crowned  his  efforts,  yet  ho  had  to  wait 
long.  It  looked  very  dark  when  he  was  driven  from 
his  Spokane  Indians  and  had  seen  so  little  fruit.  It 
looked  at  times,  especially  between  1870  and  1880,  as 
if  all  his  efforts  and  prayers  for  Whitman  College, 
together  with  the  money  given,  might  be  lost.  When 
he  was  in  the  East,  in  1883-84,  in  behalf  of  the 
college  there  were  great  discouragements,  and  the 
same  was  true  in  his  home  missionary  work.  Still 
his  faith  in  God  held  on. 

In  1872,  after  he  had  been  burned   out  at   Walla 


i 


328 


FATHER  EELLS. 


Wiilla  and  visited  Bois6  City,  one  thing  impressed 
itself  on  the  mind  of  tlie  writer  as  he  heard  anew  the 
story  of  his  father's  life  at  prayer-meeting  and  else- 
where. "  What  a  strong  faith  he  has  had  to  hold  on 
in  spite  of  so  many  discouragements  !  " 

On  these  points  Dr.  Eells'  journal  has  the  following 
items  :  — 

*  "  ^)ctober  5,  1879.  The  result  of  ray  effort  to  erect 
houses  of  worship  may  well  cause  serious  reflection. 
I  have  appropriated  n\ore  than  three  thousand  dollars 
to  aid  in  buildin«.  three  houses  of  worship,  not  one  of 
which  is  used  laigc^y  by  Congregational  clergymen. 
I  judge  there  is  reason  to  conclude  that  ou  account  of 
error  of  purpose  or  act  my  offering  has  not  been 
entirely  acceptable.  O  Lord,  be  pleased  to  guide  me, 
so  that  my  purposes  shall  be  right,  motives  pure,  and 
conduct  without  reproach." 

"June  14,  1881.  I  have  been  afflicted  in  view  of 
the  results  of  my  .fe  work.  To-night  am  somewhat 
comforted." 

'*  February  14,  !  ^S6.  During  the  past  week  I  have 
prayed  more  than  i.aual  for  the  presence  and  pow*?r  to 
attend  the  service  to-day  at  Marshall.  On  the  way 
thither  1  was  expectant  that  my  request  would  be 
granted.  Together  with  the  communicated  appoint- 
ment I  signified  tiiat  I  would  be  promptly  there  and 
would  be  pleased  to  have  a  fire  seasonably  kindled. 


CHAJtACTEBISTICS, 


329 


"  At  two  o'clock  tlie  bouse  was  cold.  Old  ladv 
Blaine  came,  returned,  brought  pitch  pine  and 
matches.  While  I  was  making  whittlings  a  boy 
came  to  start  a  fire.  Then  it  was  time  to  commence 
service.  Tardily  a  small  number  assembled.  Re- 
turning I  suffered  from  cold.  I  walked  to  increase 
comfort  and  reached  home  wearied." 

"  February  6,  1887.  This  morning  (the  Sabbath) 
I  feared  that  I  should  not  be  able  to  perform  my 
assigned  work.  The  words,  Micah  7:1),  came  to 
my  mind :  '  I  will  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord, 
because  I  have  sinned  against  him,  until  he  plead  my 
cause,  and  execute  judgment  for  me  :  he  will  bring  me 
forth  to  the  light,  and  I  shall  behold  his  righteous- 
ness.' Thereby  I  was  comforted  and  strengthened. 
I  judge  that  2  Cor.  12:9  was  verified  :  '  My  grace  is 
suflTicient  for  thee  :  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect 
in  weakness.' " 

*'  March  8.  This  morning  I  was  led  to  look  up  the 
words,  '  For  a  small  moment  have  1  forsaken  thee ; 
but  with  great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little 
wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a  moment ;  but  with 
everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee,  saith 
the  Lord  thy  Redeemer'  (Is.  54:7,  8).  I  like  to 
believe  that  God  the  Spirit  moved  upon  my  mind.  I 
am  opi)ressed.     I  am  uflllicted.     I  cry  day  and  night." 

*'  March  25.     I  judge  that  the  buffetiugs  of  Satan 


I 


330 


FAT  HE  11  EKLLS. 


I 


m 


1«! 


\ 


have  been  applied.  I  turned  to  the  Thirty-seventh 
Psahn.  1  took  hold  of  the  words :  '  Trust  in  the 
Lord.  Deligiit  thyself  also  in  the  Lord;  and  he  siiall 
give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart.  Commit  thy  way 
unto  the  Lord  ;  trust  also  in  him  ;  and  he  shall  bring  it 
to  pass.  And  he  shall  bring  forth  thy  righteousness 
as  the  light,  and  thy  judgment  as  the  noonday.  Rest 
in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  him.'  By  those 
words  applied  by  the  Holy  Spirit   I  am  eomforted." 

"  May  1.  If  I  judge  eorrectly  there  is  evidence  of 
marked  dislike  to  myself  and  my  ministration  of  the 
Word.  1  believe  there  is  decided  opposition  to  the 
truth.  To  myself  the  conviction  is  satisfactory.  I 
preach  the  truth,  therefore  I  displease  some.  With 
the  divine  favor  1  can  bear  the  ill-treatment  of  unrea- 
sonable and  wicked  men.  I  rather  enjoy  their  dislike. 
O  Lord,  vindicate  thy  servant  in  his  endeavors  to 
proclaim  the  truth.     I  hope  and  trust  in  thee." 

7//.S'  life  wiia  an  ausicer  to  skeptics.  What  made 
the  boy  who  ran  out  of  his  father's  house  at  the 
back  door,  for  fear  that  his  pastor  would  talk  to  him 
on  the  subject  of  religion,  work  in  after  years  so 
earnestlv  forCVrist?  There  can  be  but  one  answer; 
it  was  the  grace  of  God. 

AVhat  was  it  made  the  aged  man  of  sixty-seven, 
without  even  a  wife  to  sympathize  with  and  cheer  him, 
leave  the  children,  who  wished  him  to  remain,  and  go 


VJfA  UA  CTKniSTICS. 


331 


hundreds  of  niilos  and  stay  eleven  years?  What 
induced  birn  at  tlie  age  of  threescore  and  thirteen  to 
go  east  to  engage  in  the  most  hd)orious  and  trying 
woriv  of  his  life?  It  was  not  money,  for  he  had 
plenty  on  which  to  live  ;  and  ])e8ides  during  all  these 
years  he  in  the  main  supported  himself  and  paid  his 
own  expenses.  It  was  renewed  consecration  to  his 
Maker.  It  was  a  living  God,  Saviour,  Holy  Spirit, 
and  Hible  living  in  him. 

Said  a  skeptic  lately  when  the  writer  brought  up 
Paul's  changed  life  as  an  instance  of  the  realitv  of 
religion :  "  That  is  old ;  so  long  ago  that  we  can 
hardly  realize  whether  it  is  true  or  not."  Tlie  lives  of 
Dr.  Eells  and  others  like  him  prove  that  the  gospel 
has  the  same  living  power  to-day  as  in  Paul's  time. 

Yet  Dr.  Eells  waH  an  ordinary  man.  Very  ordi- 
nary, some  thought;  some  rather  looked  down  on 
him.  He  was  not  commanding  in  presence ;  he  was 
never  invited  to  become  the  pastor  of  the  larger 
pulpits  even  in  Oregon  and  Washington,  and  seldom 
invited  to  speak  in  them.  He  did  not  feel  competent 
to  become  president  even  of  his  own  college.  He 
was  never  so  far  above  other  men  but  what  they 
were  brethren,  never  so  far  ])ut  what  thousands  of 
others  could  look  at  liim  as  an  example  of  what  they 
might  be  and  do. 

lie  proved  the  truth  of  the  words,  "  In  due  season  we 


332 


FA  Tin: a  kklls. 


^■(."r 


M 


! 


hIimII  rosip,  if  wo  fniiit  not."  Throe  poiiilH  illiistiMto 
tliis  —  his  work  lus  u  jniuistor,  sih  m  iiiisMioiiMry.  and  for 
Whit  man  CoUo^o.  In  1H7.'{  Iho  prospects  in  rejrJU'd  to 
all  these  looked  very  dark  to  him.  lie  had  jiiven  him- 
self  to  the  work  of  the  ministry-  but  hy  1.S71,  thirty- 
six  years  after  his  onlination,  he  had  never  been 
pastor  of  a  ehnreh  ;  hnt  dnrin«;  tlu>  last  nineteen  years 
of  his  life  he  was  pastor  of  seven  c^hnrches,  having 
been  pastor  of  three  of  them  at  the  same  time,  nearly 
all  of  whieh  he  had  been  largely  instrnmcntal  in 
oryranizing. 

He  gave  ten  years  of  his  life  to  nn'ssionary  work 
among  the  Spokane  Indians.  He  was  driven  fron  the 
mission  and  left  it  with  the  feeling  that  not  one  of 
those  Indians  was  snital)le  for  ehnreh  membership. 
It  was  not  nntil  li'^TS,  twenty-live  years  after  he  left 
the  mission,  'hat  he  saw  nmeh  frnit  of  the  work  ;  and 
a  few  years  later  ho  said:  "  If  one  (piartcr  or  even 
one  eighth  of  all  the  Spokane  Indians  who  have  been 
received  into  the  Chnreh  are  trne  Christians,  1  am 
more  than  repaid  for  all  my  labor." 

From  1851)  to  18(51)  he  worked  to  establish  Whitman 
Seminary  and  gave  three  thonsand  dolhirs  to  it. 
During  the  next  thirteen  years  nearly  everything 
looked  dark,  and  he  often  felt  as  if  his  money  and 
labor  might  all  be  lost ;  but  he  lived  to  see  it  grow 
into  a  college,  with   regular   college   commeueemcuts 


iHtrs»to 
lul  for 
Slid  to 
M  hiiu- 
iliirty- 
r  boon 
I  yonrs 

noiirly 
liiil    in 

y  work 
ion   llu> 
one  of 
I'slnp. 
10  loft 
V ;  :iih1 
)r  even 
c  boon 
,  1  am 

hitman 
to  it. 
•ything 
ley  and 
It  grow 
lemeuts 


CIL  t  liA  (J  TK  H  IS  TICS. 


383 


for  ten  yoarH,  with  a  faculty  of  clovou  iiiHtnu'torH  and 
witli  property  to  tlio  amount  of  tliirty-nvo  thouHand 
dollarn. 

Dr.  KoIIh  loft,  but  fow  ])ubliHhod  writings.  Thoy 
arc  mainly  comprisod  in  IiIh  mlHsionnry  reports  to  the 
Amerioan  Board,  and  published  in  '!'he  Mi.sHionary 
Herald,  one  or  two  letters  to  Tho  New  York  Observer, 
an  article  in  The  Missionary  Herald  of  Decenibor, 
IHOC),  on  the  results  of  Dr.  Whitman's  work  in  saving 
the  northwest  coast  to  the  United  States,  a  centennial 
sketch  of  the  missionary  work  of  the  American  Hoard 
in  Oregon  in  1H7G,  Inst  published  in  The  Pacific 
Christian  Advocate  and  afterward  in  "  The  History 
of  the  Congregational  Association  of  Oregon  and 
Washington,"  an  article  or  two  in  'I'he  Home  Mission- 
ary on  his  life  work,  an  :  Idress  about  Whitman 
College  both  in  S[)okane  and  Walla  Walla  papers,  a 
series  of  eight  articles  —  originally  eight  addresses  — 
in  The  Walla  Walla  Watchman,  and  a  sermon  on  the 
Sabbath  as  a  (biy  of  rest,  the  only  thing  that  he 
published  in  pamphlet  form.  His  work  was  more  to 
make  history  than  to  write  it,  to  do  something  for 
others  to  write  about  than  to  write  about  what  others 
or  himself  had  done. 

The  changes  during  his  life  were  many  and  great. 
Reference  has  already  been  made  to  many  of  theui. 
Professor  W.  D.  Lyman  speaks  of  others  as  follows  :  — 


334 


FATIIEIt  EELLS. 


'*He  was  born  only  tln'oc  years  after  the  first  steam- 
boat plowed  the  Hudson.  He  was  fifteen  years  old 
when  the  first  railroad  was  laid  down  on  American 
soil.  He  was  nearly  old  enough  to  vote  when 
the  thunders  of  Webster's  eloquence  against  Hayne 
marked  an  epoch  in  American  history.  He  was  about 
entering  middle  life  when  the  first  click  of  the  electric 
telegraph  announced  the  Democratic  nomination  of 
Polk  for  the  presidency.  He  was  beginning  to  be  an 
old  man  when  the  desolating  tempest  of  civil  war 
burst  upon  the  land.  Of  the  twenty-three  different 
presidents,  he  has  lived  during  the  administrations  of 
all  but  three,  and,  had  he  been  in  the  places  for  it,  he 
could  have  voted  for  all  but  seven.  When  he  was  an 
infant  the  population  of  the  United  States  was  a  little 
over  seven  million.  There  were  no  cities  and  but  a 
few  frontier  settlements  west  of  the  Alleghanics. 
Even  when  he  had  become  a  voter  the  '  West '  was 
western  New  York  and  Ohio.  Chicago  had  then  no 
existence,  and  as  for  the  two  thirds  of  the  present 
union  west  of  the  Mississippi,  it  was  the  '  end  of  the 
earth,'  the  home  of  wild  beasts  and  wilder  Indians, 
known  to  but  a  few  trappers  and  explorers  of  the 
white  race."  ' 

During  his  life  the  population  of  the  United  States 
increased   almost   tenfold,    from    7,239,881    to   about 

» Whitman  Collegian,  March,  1893. 


CHAUAGTElilSriGS. 


335 


65,000,000 ;  the  states  from  sovcnteen  to  forty-four ; 
and  oi'  the  5,140  Congregational  eliurehes  now  exist- 
ing in  the  United  States  only  HID  date  their  existence 
previous  to  IHIO  (the  year  of  his  birth),  740  of  which 
arc  in  New  England. 

The  two  following  quotations  may  not  be  inappro- 
priate in  closing.  The  first  is  an  editorial  from  The 
Oregonhm  of  the  autumn  of  1877.  In  speakmg  of  a 
call  from  Dr.  Eells  it  says  :  — 

''  To  the  efforts  of  a  few  persons,  among  whom 
were  Messrs.  Eells  and  Walker,  with  Dr.  Whitman 
as  the  prominent  figure  of  that  early  time,  are  we 
indebted  incalculably  for  the  preservation  of  Oregon 
to  the  United  States.  Here  and  by  these  men,  with 
others  we  stop  not  now  to  name,  before  most  of  the 
present  generation  was  born  was  laid  the  foundation 
of  great  communities.  A  state  well  founded  sliould 
be  immortal.  It  is  a  duty  to  remember  the  men  who 
sow  seed  for  the  centuries.  History,  witli  singular 
perversity,  instead  of  preserving  the  names  of  those 
who  build  often  prefers  to  give  up  its  pages  to  the 
exploits  of  those  who  merely  destroy." 

The  other  is  from  an  address  bv  Hon.  R.  P.  Hoise, 
of  Salem,  Oregon,  before  the  Oregon  Pioneer  Associa- 
tion in  187().  After  speaking  of  his  visit  to  Mr. 
Eells, ^  his  fellow  townsman,  at  Forest  Grove  in  1850, 

•Page  30. 


336 


FArilEli  EELLS. 


ho  adds':  "And  history  will  record  that  these  holy 
men  were  the  nncleus  around  which  had  been  formed 
and  })nilt  the  state  of  Oregon.  They  builded  well,  for 
they  laid  their  foundation  upon  that  rock  which  bears 
up  and  sustains  the  superstructure  of  the  civilization 
of  the  last  eighteen  hundred  vears.  And  fortunate 
indeed  is  it  that  such  men  were  here  in  thjit  early 
time,  men  who  knew  the  wants  of  a  Christian  com- 
nninitv,  men  who  were  learned  in  the  sciences  and 
literature  as  well  as  in  theology  and  knew  and  appre- 
ciated the  value  of  labor  and  industry,  and  who  were 
willing  to  and  did  build  with  their  own  hands,  men 
who  knew  how  to  plant  in  the  virgin  soil  the  seeds  of 
virtue  and  knowledge  and  cultivate  them,  as  the}^  ger- 
minated and  grew  into  churches,  schools,  and  colleges. 
They  founded  the  Willamette  University  at  Salem,  the 
Pacilic  University  at  Forest  Grove,  and  other  institu- 
tions of  learning  throughout  the  hind,  which  are  of 
more  vabu;  to  the  future  pros[)erity  and  glory  of  the 
state  than  all  the  gold  of  California  or  the  wealth  of 
the  Indies." 

>Trausactioii8,  Oregon  riouecr  AsaociaUou,  187G,  pp.  2(J,  27. 


r. 


INDEX. 


Abbott,  Dr.  Lyman,  remnrks  on 

Dr.  KellH,  2t).». 
Abun|ua,  1(>1 ;  Mr.  Kells'  honu;  in, 

lt;2. 
Africa,  api)oiiitin('nt  of  Cnshiiij; 

Kt'll.s  as  missionary  to,  'i!». 
Anunican  Itoanl  of  Forci;jrn  Mis- 
sions, i'loa   of    Dr.    WliiMnan's 

succe.-s  in  Or»';,'on,  Idit;  nilssion 

t'sl.il>lislu'(|,  8t ;  mission  Itrotcon 

np,  1.'5;  ensiling  Kells tlldmisstMl 

from,  1(!7. 
Amoriran      Fnr      ('ompjiny,     4."»; 

tronlilc  of,  with  Hudson  s  Jlay 

Company,  r.8. 
Aincric-anKilucation  Society,  <lo- 

nation  to  Cusliinir  i-lclls,  •_»;  ;  j;ift 

from  Dr.  Kells  to, '.i",  liMi. 
Americ;in  Home,  Missionary  Soci- 

ety,  refusal  to  make  Dr.  tells  a 

liome  missionary,  -l'*. 
Ainericai\  liendezvous,  arrival  at, 

r»4  ;  prices  at,  .'Mi. 
Ancestry  of  Ciisliing  Eells,  lH,  l(i. 
Anderson,  A.  J.,  as  president  of 

Whitman  C'ollejre,  1!)'.»;  remaiks 

on  Dr.  Eells,  'I'Xt. 
Anderson,  I'rof.  L.  F.,  remarks  on 

Dr.  Kclls,  'J!)'.l. 
Anniversary,  (iflieth,  of  Dr.  Eells' 

arriv.il  in  Washington,  'Irl. 
Appearance  of  Dr.  Kelis,  .'JSl. 
Astoria,  Ifii), 
Atkinson,  Dr.  (jj.  H.,  on  Oregon 

mission,   KW;    chosen  to   solicit 

fun(is,  2(11;  Inahility  to  go  Ka^t, 

•2u4. 

Itaker,    Dr.    D.    S.,    donation    to 

Whitman  Seminary ,  1!K);  letter 

from  Dr.  Kells  to,  ii4. 
IJarrows,   Uev.  William,  extract 

from   "A   Day  witli  a  Veteran 

Korly-livc    Years    in    Oregon," 

I'M. 
IJeechcr,     Lyman,     on     Sunday 

travel,  39. 
Uene  volencc  of  Cushing  Eells,  317, 

324. 
Big  Star,  148. 


Billings,  Hon.  Frederick, '211. 
Boise,  Hon.  K.  P.,  remark.*^  on  Dr. 

Kells,  335. 
Bracc,,lulla,37. 
ISraiiford.  Dr.  A.  H.,  remarks  on 

Dr.  Kclls,  302. 
Itrowncll,    on    Indian    Races    of 

America,  17. 

Caswell,  Mrs.  H.  S.,  remarks  on 
Dr.  Eells,  3(Ki. 

Catholics,  Spokane  Indians  as- 
signed to,  UM. 

Cavln,  Dr.,2iW. 

Cayuse  Indian  plots,  120. 

Cliamberlain,  Rev.  I'.  B.,  pastor- 
ate  in  Walla  Walla,  18:{;  on  site 
of  Whitman  Seminary,  lSi»; 
address  at  iledication  of  Whit- 
man Seminary,  l!)t);  iis  principal 
of  Whitnnin  Seminary,  I!I2. 

Characteristics  of  Eells  lamlly, 
17,  1!>,  21,  22;  of  Cushing  Kells, 
3I(»;  of  Major  Samuel  Kells,  17. 

Charge  to  Rev.  F.  T.  Clarke,  •-'.'m. 

Cliet'se-making,  122. 

Clienev,  removal  of  Dr.  Eells  to, 
24!»;  "Dr.  Eells'  work  in,  2.'>4. 

Cln-ringlon,  Dr.  F.  I!.,  remarks  on 
Dr.  Kells, 2'.tl. 

Chewdah,  Dr.  Kells'  wcn-k  for.2.J0. 

Christian  consistency  of  Cusliing 
Eells,  ;5Jo. 

Chute,  Dr.,  43. 

Civil  War,  feeling  of  Walla  Walla 
vallev  in,  Jo,  21 ;  Eells  family  in, 
21.     ' 

Clarke,  Rev.  Dorns,  on  Cushing 
Eells,  23;  opcnini;' select  school, 
2."). 

Clarke,  Rev.  F.  T.,  «-,liar>je  to,  2.">.'»; 
right  li.'tnd  of  Jellowship  to,  -■>!. 

Coe,  David,  20. 

Colfax,  church  formed  in,  230; 
Dr.  Kells' letters  to,  232;  erection 
of  cluin'h  in,, 242;  departure  of 
Dr.  E(dls  from,  247. 

Coluinl)la  Maternal  Association, 
118. 

Colvillc,  Dr.  Eells'  work  for,  251. 


338 


FAT  HE  It   EELLS. 


Walla 

<.f  the 
Wash- 
Muun- 


z\. 


C'on;rn'j;Mtl<)i)al  <',lmrch,  flist  or- 
>(aiil/oil  runl  of  1  ascadu  Moiiii- 
lalns,  17;J;  llrsl  In  Washington 
Ti'iiilory,  1>>;  in  Washington 
woh!  of  (Jartca<h'  Mountains, '-'•.ii; 
eu'ction  111  Ctiilax  ol,  'Jl-';  »  ric- 
(ioii  in  .Spi»>,ait;  of,  '.'(il ;  n-solii- 
tli.ns  on  I>r.  Kills  hy 
Walla,  :J()r>. 

Con;,'rr;,aitloiialisni    west 
Kocky  Moniitaiiis,  KM  ;  in 
iiiKloii  wi'st  of  Cascado 
tains,  2."i;  Dr.  Kclls  on 

(Jonsrcralion  of  Dr.  Krils,  .i-.Ti. 

<  oiitrovrrsy,  W  hit  man,  1I2. 

Convursion'  ot  ('iishliij,'  Kull.s, 

Council,  Indian,  l.'U. 

Counlk's  of  Wuishiiiuton  in  1874, 
2-'.t. 

Crossinjr  the  continent  by  Cusli- 
liiK  Kclls,  .!:>. 

Currency  in  Jh;W,  7(i. 

Davton,  Dr.  Kcll.s'  work  for,  250. 

Death  of  Dr.  Whitman  and  fani- 
llv,  IJ.;  of  .Mis.  Ciishin;,-  Kclls, 
•i.J!*,  211;  of  Dr.  (Jnslilnj,'  KcHs, 
•JS";   iincni  on,  2S7. 

Donation  to  Di'.  Kclls  from 
American  I'Mijcafion  Sdciety, 
27;  l»y  J)r.  Kell>  lo  Whitman 
Seminary  and  to  American  Kdu- 
calion  Society,  \W>. 

Katon,  H«'v.  J.  V.,  cle<'t(Ml  presi- 
dent of  Whitman  (oil. ■;;:«,  21S; 
remarks  on  Dr.  Whiiman,  2;ii); 
on  CnshiiiL;  Ki'lls,  2'.i'.t. 

Kconomy  of  (iisliiii;;-  Kclls,  ;iH. 

Kducalion  of  (  iishin^-  Kell.-,  -J."). 

Kducalion  Socictv,  aid  k'\<'"  to 
Ctishin;;  Kclls  dy,  2ti;  Cnshinj; 
Kells'  donation  to,  27. 

Kdwards,  \U  \ .  .J.,  on  Dr.  Kells' 
work,  271 ;  remarks  on  Dr.  htll.-, 
2!»."). 

jMdls,  Charles,  visit  to  dishing 
K(dls,2.sl;  death,  2sl. 

Ki'lls,  ('nshin^',  aciident  to,  282; 
account  of  school  \voik,24.'>;  aid 
from  Kducatlnii  Society .  2t(;  aid 
given  in  erection  of  church  at 
Forest  (Jiove,  I7<t;  aid  given  to 
Walla  Walla  cliiirc.h.  is;;;  ai>- 
pointmenl  to  Airica,  2!»;  arrival 
at  Aiiiei'ic:in  !{inilc/,vous,  ."jt; 
arrival  at  Dr.  Whiinuui's,  84; 
arrival  at  Or*  goii  (  ity,  144;  as 
iissl>tant  moderator  of"  National 
Coun<;il,  202;  as  disciplinarian, 
lU'J;  us  iiomc  misHiuuary,  21'.);  ns 


Hchool  snpcrlnternlont,  102;  nt 
Dr.  Whitman'.s,  (^1;  at  Kasi 
Wliulsor,  28;  at  Fort  IJolse,  t;.',- 
at  Fort  llall.til;  at  .Skokomisli, 
22;{;  at  Williains  College,  27; 
i)reaking  up  of  the  station,  112, 
iiuyiiig  a  home,  100;  called  •lulm 
the  I'.apllst  of  the  Home  .Mis. 
Bionary  Society,  2tt{;  camp  ng. 
ulutiiiiis,  4(1;  change  In  mission 
field,  ;i:{;  ch;iracteri.>tics  ol,  ;iii); 
charge  to  Kev.  F.T.Clarke,  2r)(;; 
chosen  |U'esident  of  Whitman 
Seminary,  178;  church  huildlng 
in  ('olfa.\,242;  church  formed  at 
Colla\,2;io;  college  clasHinatcs, 
27;  c.tmversion,  2;5;  crossing  I.a 
I'latte,  r)l;  crossing  the  conti- 
nent, ;{;<;  crossing  the  Sweet- 
water, .')2;  (Hiriency  nseii,  7ii; 
death  of,  2^9;  death  of  wife,  2;i',t, 
241;  decision  to  become  a  mis- 
sionary, 2J;  deci-ion  to  found 
memoi'i.'il  of  Dr.  Whitman,  172; 
ilecision  to  solicit  Kastern  funds 
for  Whitman  College,  2(il  ,  de- 
greo  of  Doctor  of  Divinity 
conferred,  218;  departure  from 
Walla  Walla,  1!>7;  desire  to  form 
church  north  of  Snake  Hivcr, 
22!);  dlsuppointmeiit  nt  Dr. 
Atkinson's  failure  to  go  KasI, 
204;  dismissal  from  the  Ameri- 
can Hoard,  lf>7;  donation  to 
Kdi'-alion  .Soiicty,  27;  Dorus 
Cli.  .e,  l).l>.,  on,  2.1;  early 
years,  22;  education.  2'>;  elected 
school  supeiintendeni  of  Whlt- 
iiuin  Count V,  2D;  e.xperience 
with  luuse  thieves,  1S4;  extracts 
from  addresses  oi!,2!)l ;  extracts 
from  Juuriial,  2'd,  2il!t,  2s2; 
extnicts  from  letters  to  church 
in  (dll.ix,  2;t2;  favoilnir  Union, 
21;  favoiite  hor.-,e  of,  224;  liftl- 
eth  ail!  iversarv  of  ariival  in 
Washington,  272;  llltieth  anni- 
versary of  coming  to  coast,  2I."»; 
lirst  sight  of  racidc  Ocean.  220; 
food  at  Ttshimakain,  72  ;  fortieth 
anniversary  of  marriage,  2;i7; 
Fourth  of  July  aildress  at  Col- 
villc  valley,  .'Jii;  Fourth  of  .Inly 
rclebratioh,  177;  funeral  serv- 
ices of,  280;  garden  al  Tshima- 
kain.JKi;  genealogv,  \f>;  hisiori- 
cal  sketch  of  Walla  Walla 
valley.  227;  home  at  Tshima  kain, 
70;  home  in  Abcrt|Ua,  l(!2;  hor.-e- 
back  riding,  4(i;  illness,  4!),  .''d, 
281;  liidiau  dances,  5,);  ludiuu 


IXDEX. 


339 


flcluKtl,  !»:i,  94;  Iiidliin  trotibU's, 
IJ!»,  l.iJ,  li:;  111  Wullu  Walla 
valley,  14s;  in  WllliuiHMtc  val- 
ley, I'll  ;  Items  eiiiieeniiiii;  work, 
810;  journal  eoiieeniinjf  L'()ltax 
cliureli,  24!;  juiinial  concci  iiiiii,' 
Wliiliiiaii  College, '-.'Ki;  la^-i  dayn, 
272;  last  Illness,  2s,s;  la<t  of 
pioneer  as.sociatfs,  2X');  last  tiii» 
to  Skokoiiilsli,  'JT'i;  last  visit  to 
WallaWalla,-.'!-;  Ia>t  uonlsof, 
2S'.);  learning'  in<lian  lan^-^iiap*, 
'.(1 ;  letter  Irmii  Tactuna  .Minis- 
tiulal  Allianco  to,  27ii;  letter  to 
Dr.  1>.  S.  Maker  from.  2.'V»;  letter 
to  slstcr-iii-law  1'n>m,2:!ri;  lite  In 
Salem,  U'hi;  loiatin^  htatlon 
anions  Spokane  lmlians,87  ;  los- 
by  lire,  H'i;  of  horsesanil  mules, 
l-.'.*<,  I'.Hi;  mails,  7."{;  miikiiiLr  will, 
212;  inarria;;e,  31,  111;  meeting' 
Hev.  K.  Walker,  H7;  nieeiinjr 
with  llu'lson'a  l!ay  Cmup.any, 
68;  method  of  travelliij;,  4'),  47; 
missionary  tri])  in  1H74,1.')1;  mis. 
bionary  trip  in  1^7.'),  l.'ri;  misslon- 
!iry  work  at  Meillcal  Lake,  24S, 
2'tO;  mission's  action  rej^anlin^ 
Dr.  Wliitnian's  proposed  Kast- 
t!rn  triji,  113;  on  ileiiomination- 
allsm,  'J'^!;  on  Dr.  Wliil man's 
work  to  .-ecure  Ore;ron  to  riiited 
Mates,  Id'j;  on  Indians  :iiid  his 
work  amouK  thorn,  ii"),  104 ;  aeross 
the  backhoiie  of  Anieriea,(;i ;  on 
their  trip,  41;  ordination,  30; 
outsld(*  work  wliile  i\f  Colfax, 
24H;  overtakiiij;  Ameiican  Kur 
Company,  44;  paekin;:,  ;•:', ;  pass- 
port >,(i7  ;i)ersonality  ,:iil  ;  prices 
nt  American  Ucnd'ezvous,  M\; 
provideiiti.'il  esc.ipe  from  mas- 
sacre, 12');  rain,  i>2;  rai.-.in>^ 
money  to  free  Whitman  Sem- 
inary from  debt,  I'.M  ;  rations,  4'.', 
(iO;  "receivinir  instructions  a.s 
missionaries,  37;  rciii.irks  by 
It.  P.  IJoise  on,  3:^.');  remarks  by 
The  ()re).'oiiian  on,  3.'!"i;  nnioval 
of  family  to  Walla  Walla,  18i ; 
removalto  (  lieney,2t'.t;  removal 
to  Walla  Walla,  I'V');  resif,'nati()n 
from  ftledical  I.;ike,  2<!(i;  rcsl^^- 
nation  from  Whilman  Semi- 
iiury,  193;  resl-^nation  of  Colfax 
eliurch,  247;  resolutions  on,  3()l, 
oli.^),  307,  30S;  ntuin  to  I'orest 
Grove,  If.H;  ri^lithand  of  fellow- 
ship to  Hev.  K.  '1'.  Claik(s2:i7; 
seeond  year  Kast  for  Whitman 
Collejfe,"2i'.t;  staging,  38;  taking 


charffo  of  Orepon  TnstUutP,  l(i2; 
tcachin;,'  at  Forest  (irove,  ltd; 
teaching,'  in  Mr.  (irltlin's  s(;lioid, 
l(!il;  teat  liiiin'  in  NVhitnum  Si'in- 
li;ary,  lii.';  travel  durini;  1S41, 
In: ;"  trip  to  Tsliimak.ain,  W; 
work  for  Cheney,  2.")4 ;  wtnk 
for  ('lii'wtdah  and  (Johille, 
•J."i();  w»»rk  li.r  Dayton, 'Jl'-O;  work 
for  Medical  L;ik(",  2''>'5 ;  work  for 
I'lea-ant  I'mlru,  2(1' ;  work  lor 
Spokane, 2.">,s;  work  f.)r  >pragiie, 
2tii»;  writinir,  .'i.!3;  year  spent  in 
soliciting  funds,  20."),  212. 
Kells,  Mra.  Cusliing,  on  slaverv, 
3!t,  40;  letter  to  sister,  74; 
iniiire-sions  of  tlu!  cr)untrv,  77; 
clotliln::,  121  ;  death  of  father, 
122;  tea<'hing  in  Oregon  Fiisti- 
tute,  l(i;5;  at  Forcist  CJrove,  Hd; 
aid  ill  building  church  at  Forest 
CJrove,    17n;    founding    scholar 


>hlp  In  racillc  rnivcrsitv,  171; 
departure  for  Walla  Walfa,  Iso, 
Con-regatioiiallst  on,  l!tr>;  sev- 
entieth birthday  anniversary, 
224;  last  visit  to  Forest  (irove, 
227;  last  >ickiuss  and  death, 2;5!i, 
241.  Src  (lino  Kells,  Cushing; 
I'rentiss,  Nireis-a. 

K(!lis,  Kdward,  .Jr.,  1'^. 

Fells,  l{ev.  James,  professor  In 
Lane  'riieological  .Seminary,  21. 

Kells,  .John,  1.^.,  IC,  17,  20,  21. 

Kells,  Itev.  Nathanltd,  1(1;  desceiul. 
ants,  P.);  as  chaplain  in  Uuvolii- 
tionary  War,  20;  'riianksgiving 
sei  nu)n,  20. 

Eells.  Capt  in  Itobert  L.,  In  Rev- 
olutionary War,  10. 

Eells,  Major  S.iniiud,  1');  charac- 
teristics, 17  ;  marriage,  I-  ;  ile.ith, 

E<dls,  llev.  Samuel,  patriotism  of, 

10. 
K(dls,  Hev.  W.  W.,  on  genealogy. 


Falrbank,  Alvra.Sl. 

Faith  of  Dr.  Ktdls,  327,;532. 

Family    cli.iracteristics,    love    of 

Jnstire.    17;    p.itriotism,   l'.),  21; 

higher  education,  21;  long  life, 

22. 
First  white  woman  who  crossed 

continent,  3."). 
Forest  (irove,  Dr.  Kells  teaching 

at,  104,  KW;  erection  of  Congre- 
gational church,  170. 
Fort    Colville,    iletermlnation    to 

leave  for,  132. 


340 


FATHER   KKLLS. 


V. 


I 

1 

i 

Fort  Ilnll,  CuHhlnff  EcIIh  fit,  lU. 
t'otii'lli  of  .July,  Wallii  Wullu  rcl- 

ulirattoM,  I7<. 
Funeral  HcrvlccH  of  Dr.  KellH,285». 

Ciray,  W.  II.,  .'W,  nri;  ctohhIii),'  the 
co'ntlnciit,  41. 

liallock,  Kev.  L.  11.,  rcninrkn  on 
Dr.  VA>.\\>i,  l.".<),  •J.'i.l, '2!)I,'2!W. 

llarllonl  Sciuluary  Kfcord  on  Dr. 
KcllH.JiOJ. 

Hhnc.-*,  DciK'on  ti.  II.,  remarks  on 
Dr.  Kolla, '.'Its. 

Hod^ton,  MIhh  M.  A.,  as  asnlstant 
in  \>  liitnian  .Seminary,  Iti'i. 

IIoi  (Otack  ridiiiK  in  cros.slnK  con- 
tinent, 40. 

Iliii|f<on'H  Hay  Company  ruling 
tiie  (country,  (i'i;  lofatln^  nils. 
HionarleH,  (Mi ;  inanai;in^  Indians, 
(M>;  ticsires  to  obtain  Oregon, 
ill'.). 

Hymn,  Indian,  KHi. 

Iixllan  dances,  6.'>. 

Indians,  Hrownell  on,  17;  stenlln^ 
liorscs,  44 ;  during  severe  winter 
of  lS4(i,  47;  in  Kocky  Mountains, 
til;  Mrs.  Kelis  on,  7!»,  117;  estl- 
unites  of,  In  Oregon,  82;  aa  help, 
!»3;  FlatheadH,  Wl,  !);{;  Mr.  Kells 
on,!)5,  1(14;  teacliin)j[  music,  lOti; 
massacre  of  Dr.  Whitman,  Yin; 
disturbances  from,  IJ'.I,  12,  14'2; 
attempta  to  have  missionaries 
return,  144;  results  of  mission- 
ary labor  among,  Hf);  asking  a 
blessing,  147. 

Institute .    iSTce  Oregon  Institute. 

James,  Kev.  II.  P.,  remarks  on  Dr. 
Kells,  205. 

.lolin  the  Baptist  of  the  Home  Mis- 
sionary Society,  Dr.  Gushing 
Kells  as,  203. 

Journal  of  Cushing  Kells,  41,  44, 
4.-.,  75,  7<!,  {»7,  17.S,  20.1,212,  21(5, 22H, 
24;},  24.5  2.'i:i,  2(h»,  2(;!t,  272,  274,  2K2, 
2SS;  of  Mrs.  Kells,  3(i,  :i.S,  40,  42, 
43,  44,  47,  .M),  .52,  51,  55,  5«,  59,  CI, 
ta,  119,  167. 

KalaniH,  220. 

Language,  Flathead  and  Xcz  Ter- 

ces  distinguished,  95. 
Last  (lavs  of  Dr.  Kells,  272. 
Last  worils  of  Dr.  Eells,  28y. 
Lc  Blond,  224,  289. 


Loss  of  homo  liy  Arc,  102,  1%;  of 
horses  and  mules,  Vl!<. 

Love  of  Cushing  Kells,  of  Chris- 
tian  edui^idioii,  321  ;  of  the  min- 
istry, 322;  ol  mls.-^lonary  work, 
323. 

Lyman,  Miss  .Sarah  I.,  on  Dr. 
Kells  as  a  disciplinarian,  109; 
remarks  on  Dr.  Kells,  3(H). 

Lynnin,  l'n»f.  W.  II.,  remarks  on 
ensiling  Kells,  ;{0(». 

McCrca,  (Jeorge  F,  f'.,  remarks 
on  Dr.  Kells,  2.\J. 

McDonald,  Archibald,  87;  con- 
cerning the  future  of  Oregon, 
110. 

MacLalVeity.  remarks  on  Dr. 
Kells,  2!tl. 

Ma..-i  ill  Oregoii  in  18.38,  73. 

.Marriage  ol  (  uslilng  Kells,  31,  32; 
fortieth  anniversary  of,  2.37. 

Massacre  of  Dr.  Whitman,  12.5. 

Maternal  Asso(;iation.  ^'(le Colum- 
bia Maternal  Association. 

Medical  Lake,  missionary  work  of 
Dr.  Kells  at,  248,  2.50,  2(i3. 

Memory  of  (  iishing  Kells,  312. 

.Mills  .Society,  20. 

Minerals  In  Oregon,  100. 

Ministry,  inclination  of  Kells 
family  toward,  18,  21. 

MisHlonarles,  early,  to  Oregon,  S4. 

Mission  established,  84;  uroken 
up,  125. 

ISIusic,  teaching  Indians,  105. 

National  Council,  Dr.  Eells  at,  202. 
Nutting,  Kev.  Wallace,   remarks 
on  Dr.  Eells,  294. 

Occidental  Congregntionallet,  re- 
marks on  Dr.  Kells,  207 

Oregon,  exploration  of,  34,;i.i;  in 
1838,  05;  inhabitants,  (i."),  (i7;  gov- 
ernment, (15,  00;  reputation,  09; 
bouses,  70;  lumber,  71;  Hour 
mills,  71;  food,  72;  mails,  73,75; 
currency,  7(i;  missions  estab- 
lished in,  84;  Dr.  Whitman's 
trip  Kast  to  save,  108,  lOil;  min- 
erals in,  109;  breaking  up  of 
missions  in,  144;  territory  or- 
ganized, 158;  in  1849,  150;  Insti- 
tute, 102. 

Paclllc  Univer.slty  founded,  104; 
founding  schol'arshli)  In,  171; 
conferring  degree  upon  Kev. 
Cushing  Kells,  218;  resolutlouH 
on  Dr.  Kells,  304. 


,  11M5;  of 

f  Clirlrt. 
lie  iiilii- 
y  work, 

on    Dr. 

nu,  lOi); 

H). 

iiarkH  on 


ronmvkH 

■<7 ;    coii- 
Ort'Kon, 

on     Dr. 
lH,.31,:l2; 

,  ':;{7. 
n,  ir.. 

[jcColuni- 

on. 

y  work  of 

8,  Mi. 


Di     KellB 

•L'fjon,  *1. 
i    broken 

105. 

|l8  at,  202. 
remarks 


allst,  re- 

I34, :{.);  in 

1,  (17 ;  gov- 

jitlon,  (>U; 

1 ;    Hour 

Is  73,  T."); 

|rt    estab- 

lliitmun'ri 

]00;  niin- 

ui>    ol' 

ory  or- 

f'.t;  Insli- 


UmI,  KU; 

In,    171; 

m    Uev. 

iolutious 


ISDh'A'. 


3-11 


PnrkCT,  Hfv.  Sannicl,!!. 
I'arfons,  K.  D.,  rt'inurk.H  mi    Dr. 

KellH,3(hJ. 
Partspoitrt,  nccesrtlty  of  securing;, 

In, as. 
rionecr  aarfoclates  of    Dr.  KcIIh, 

IMatte,  the,  crossing,  ">1. 
Pleasant  I'rairle,  l)r.  Kells*  work 

for,  2<I'2. 
I'oein  by  Mrs.  Mary  Wiilker,  142; 

Shall  We  Kliiil  Tlieni  at  the  Por 

tal.  Xfi;  Death,  287. 
I'ortlan.l,  l.W. 

I'liver.  power  of  Dr.  Eells  In,  31i;. 
I'n;',lsluu  of  Dr.  Kellrt,  313. 
I'riiJitl.ss   •'^"•■^■'^  Narelssa,  34.     .See 

iilno  Kelld,  Mrs.  (JiishhiK. 
Prices  of  fooij   at  American  Ken- 

"If/.vous,  .")(•;    Ill    Ksr.t  In   WUla- 

iiU!ttc  valley,  Hi.'). 
Pu^et  .Sounil  In  1>72,  220;  Con^'re- 

^ationul  (Church  on,  222. 
Punctmillty  of  Dr.  EellH,2!)l. 

ilallroads  in   1838,  t>!),    in   PiiKet 

Sountl,  220;   In   Washington   in 

1874,  230. 
Rankin,  .J.  K.,  poem  by,  28(1. 
Ue.'iolutlons  on  Dr.  Eells,. 304,  .So;'), 

307,  3(t.s. 
Kevolutlonary  War,  Eells  familv 

In,  11),  20. 
Kight  hand  of  fellowship  to  Uev. 

F.T.  Clarke,  2.57. 
HogerH,  II.,  8.'). 
Roy,  Dr.  J.  E.,  remarkf-  on    Dr. 

Eells,  3(X). 

Schools,  In<lian,  03,  i)9,  104,  107. 

School  supei-intentlent,  CuslilnK 
Eells  as,  244. 

.Seattle  in  1872.  220,  -222. 

Seattle  PostlntelliKcncer,  re- 
marks on  Dr.  Eells,  29«i. 

Settlements  in  Oregon  in  !8;i8,  (57. 
Severest  winter  in  the  memory  of 

hxlians,  lit). 
Simpson,   Governor,  attempts  to 

pnr<',liase  Oregon,  112. 
Sims,    Rev.  T.,   rtsmarks    on    Dr. 

Eells,  2!)2. 
Skokomisii,     Dr.     Kells     at,    22.3; 

chiurli  orj,'aniicril,223,  Dr.  Eells' 

last  trip  to, 27.5. 
Slavery,  iSIrs.  Eells  on,  40. 
Smith," JMr.,  S4. 
Society   of  huniirv   on    .Missions. 

5e€5lllls  Society. 


SpiiMliiK,  Rev.  11.   11.,  3,-),  >»•..  224. 

work   anionK  Spokane  Dnllaiis, 

i:.(». 
SpokaiH!  In    1S74,  220;   Dr.  Eell.-.' 

work  In,  2.")8. 
Sptikane  Imilans,  laiiKuaKe  of,  01; 

Irlentlllne.  s  of,    131,    132;    Kev. 

II.  II.  .SpaMliifi's  work  among, 

l.'iO;CuHliiiig  Eells'  work  among, 

I.M;  treaty  with,  l^tft;  as  church 

members,  I.Ml. 
Spragne,  Dr.  Eells'  work  for,  J"'.') 
Strleby,  Dr.  M.  E.,  remarks  on  Dr 

Eeli-^    2iM). 
Strong,  Dr.  E   E.,  remarks  on  Dr. 

Eells,  300. 
Snmlay  tra\  cl,  30,  .'»7. 
Sweetwater,  cro.''hlng,  .52. 
Sylvester,  Miss  E.  W.,  as  assistant 
"ill  Whitman  Semlnury,  I'.fl. 

Tacoma  In  IS72,  220,  222. 
Tacoma  Congregational  Assoda 

tion,  resolutions  on    Dr.  Eells, 

.MM. 
Ta<;onia  Ledger,  remarks  on  Dr. 

Eells,  207. 
Tacoma  Ministerial  .Mllance,  let- 
ter to  Dr.  Eells  from,27(i;  reso- 

Intlons  on  Dr.  Eells,  307. 
Tacoma   News,  remarks   on    Dr. 

Eells,  'Jixt. 
Tanner,  Dr.  E.S. ,20,21. 
Tclegra|ih  in  ISiS),  60. 
Theological     Institute     at      East 

Wimlsor,  Cushlng  Eells  ut,  J.'^. 
The  <Jregonlan,  remarks  on    Dr. 

Eells,  ;«.5. 
Trustees,   original,   of    Whitman 

Seminary,  1(8. 
Tshimakain,    home   life    of     Dr. 

Eells  at,  70,  72,  !H);   Dr.   Eells' 

la.Ht  trlpto,  00. 
Tnalltln   Academy,  founding   of, 

1(>4;  Cushlng  Eells  teaching  in, 

l(i8;    resolutions  on    Dr.   Eells, 

304. 

Unite<l  States,  changes  since  1838, 
«8. 

Vigilance  Committee,  185. 

Wagons  and  wag«)n  roads  West, 

«). 
Walker,  Cyrus  Hamlin,  birth  of, 

80. 
Walker,  Rev.  Elkanah,  .35,  SH,  si); 

trip  to  Tshimakain,  00;  Incident 

of,  lis. 
Walker,  Mrs.,  jtocm  liy,  142. 


342 


FAT  UK  I,'    KELLS. 


Wnllii       Wallii,      drat       .st;rnu)ii 

Iiieaflit'd   ill,    ITU;   lii    18(i(),  17.'., 
I'ourtli  of  .July  ci'lctiralion,  177, 
orK.'iiiiZiiUoii  1)1'  Whllmjui  Semi 
!mry,    17>;    syniimtliy  with  the 
Soutli,  'JO 

Will!-,  Indian,  1*7 

Wa^lllnKt<)n,  oiKanlzatlon  ..t  Urst 
CoiiKi't'trutioiial  chnrcli,  IKi; 
days  of  hors*'  stealing  unil  Vlg. 
Uanfi!  Coiiunitlet ,  \x\ ,  in  l87'J 
and  iKSfj,  •.'•Jl.  nw.  Eastern, 
extracis  troni  l>r.  Kclls*  journal 
on,  'i.'Vh 

Whitman  CoIIcki  ,  IHit,  amount 
Bolicltcd  liy  Dr.  Ilelln  lor,  211 , 
new  huildiliK^,  i!4;  Commence 
nient  in  l^ss,  'iUt.  cllsc,ussio;i 
eonciridn;:  rcli^'ious  den<mdna 
tloii  (d,  21.5;  F{«-v.  .J  F  Katon 
eleclfd  iircHident,  21h,  resolu 
fiouM  on  Dr.  Kells.  SOf.. 

Whitman,  Dr.  Marcus,  :U,  home 
ul,  (j-6,  iirovl!:lou.s,  71,  72;  family 


in    isj.i,  Ml,    trip  ,iUst   to  save 
Ort'Kon,  iu^i;  Dr.  Eells  on  work 
I(K».   coii'.roversv,    1T_';   mas 


Pres- 

Kell  ' 
llr-,t 


urfu 

of,  T(..,  

rtiure,    12.') ;    remarks    of 
idont  Eaton  on,  'iJ'.i. 

Whitman  .Seminary,  Dr 
fiecl.sion  to  found,  172,  17 
trustees'  nu'ctiu;.'^,  17i";  .Mr.  Eells 
chosen  piisiilent,  17i^,  perina- 
neutly  located.  1K>;  dcdicatloi, 
liKi;  raising'  dcl.t,  r.4,  donath  u 
Ity  Dr.  Eells,  1!M;,  sketch  of 
Heminary  after  Dr.  Eells'  do 
partun-,  11(7;  chauKOfo  Whitman 
CoUeKe,  !!•!♦.  Sir  also  Whitman 
Collejre. 

Willamette  valley,  work  in,  ;i4, 
\^^;  ConKreKational  mlnl.stcrs 
i'l,  ItIO,   prices  in  ]siU,  lli.'i. 

'.Villiams  Colleire,  David  ( 
•-•«;  Cushln;.'  Eells  at,  27. 

Winter  of  isci,  ]H{). 

Writings  oi  Dr.  Eells.  ^33. 


,oo  at. 


w 


lif 


to  .save 
01)  work 
I'i;   iii!i8 
>f    Pren- 

IT;i;  ihst 
li-  Eeli.s 
i>i-'nii;i- 
li<'atl(ri, 
lonatl'  u 
olch  of 
;11b'  ilo- 
i^littman 
Htlfmari 


In,  M. 
InistcvH 
i. 
Loci  at, 


